ID Technology, a ProMach product brand, has introduced their CrossMerge™ label applicator module for print & apply labeling at Pack Expo Las Vegas booth #C-3225. It is designed for secondary packaging lines and includes new technology which the company says increases label output.
“CrossMerge is a unique new concept for labeling secondary packages with GS1-compliant barcodes at very high speeds,” said Mark Bowden, Regional Sales Manager at ID Technology. “CrossMerge decouples print speed from line speed to simultaneously increase output and improve print quality compared to traditional tamp or feed-on-demand print & apply labelers. We’ve rotated the print head to change the orientation of printing.”
By rotating the print head, conditions are optimized for both barcode printing and label application, according to the company. The bars of linear barcodes run parallel to the direction of feed (called ‘picket fence’ printing), rather than perpendicular (called ‘ladder’ printing). The company also claims this increases output and decreases print speed to reduce print head wear and tear.
CrossMerge is the newest addition to ID Technology’s PowerMerge family of label applicators. The company says that using a vacuum belt to transfer labels from the print engine to the point of application, PowerMerge allows multiple labels to be on the vacuum belt at the same time and enables the system to start printing the label for the next product.
"The label applicator module can be combined with a thermal transfer or direct transfer print engine to print linear and data matrix barcodes, including serialized barcodes, and variable information text to ‘bright stock’ or pre-printed pressure sensitive labels. It can be equipped to apply side labels to cases, trays, shrink-wrapped bundles and other secondary packages. An optional ‘zero downtime’ configuration speeds changeover," the company concluded.
For more information:
John Eklund
ProMach
Ph: +1 (704) 944-5340
john.eklund@promachbuilt.com
www.promachbuilt.com