Two years ago, Coding and Labelling specialist Clearmark Solutions launched its next generation thermal transfer overprinter (TTO), with a built-in print checking system, capable of reporting on the quality of each code it produces. This largely removed the need to invest in costly add-on vision systems in order to meet increasing demand from retailers for code quality checks.
Clearmark says the ICE Zodiac Hawk TTO has helped numerous businesses achieve improved Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by being the first coder that can report on all three elements of OEE, with quality now included alongside performance and availability. Equally important, the coder’s ability to provide early warning of any potential loss of code quality will help to minimise production disruption and downtime, as well as reduce the risk of customer complaints or the possibility of a product recall, with its cost implications and potential damage to brand reputation.
The Zodiac Hawk features iAssure™, an internal checking system that assesses the spent ribbon after each code has been produced to determine whether the print quality has been good enough. If the code is deemed to be unacceptable, the ICE Zodiac Hawk can signal for the pack to be rejected and if the fault persists, can declare a trend of deterioration and stop the line entirely.
All information on poor quality codes, along with guidance for rectifying the problem, is reported on the control screen or may be accessed and printed off remotely to enable manufacturers to take immediate action. This helps to minimise line downtime and limits the amount of codes with poor quality which otherwise may have exited the manufacturing process.
In addition to its ability to self-monitor code quality, the ICE Zodiac Hawk also offers a number of features unique to thermal overprinting.
The ICE Zodiac Hawk operates without compressed air to generate the necessary force for the printhead. The removal of this external energy source, which is both costly to provide and maintain, means the entire printing operation is now controlled by the ICE Zodiac Hawk’s software, helping to ensure consistent and reliable coding. The electronic system used to provide and regulate print head force will also provide increased print head life in most applications.
To find out more or to book a demo, call: 01159 640144 or visit www.interactivecoding.co.uk/hawk/
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