Print & Apply Systems
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ALcode - Print & Apply labeling systems - are systems for the printing/application of self-adhesive labels.
They may be interfaced with a computer and can apply the just-printed label to both still and moving products.
For label printing, ALcode can integrate the various thermal transfer engines made from the Japanese SATO (or compatible).
Which has specifically developed them for the use on automatic applicators: resolution of 8 or 12 dots/mm., up to 300 mm/sec. of print speed, 4 ", 5 " or 6 " of printable width.
In every ALcode print apply system, the mechanics, pneumatics and electronics have been suitably integrated to meet the typical requirements of machines operating in an industrial environment, which need to combine reliability, user-friendliness, accessibility, and interchange ability.
A range of standard devices has been engineered for the application of labels, thus enabling ALcode to apply labels in any position and at any linear speed
The following versions are available:
air-blow applicator, with or without piston, for non-contact labelling of moving products
tamp applicator for contact labelling of still products, including to sunken areas
swinging roll applicator for contact labelling of products running at high speed
swinging application system, for contact labelling of moving product, also with different label sizes
rotary arm applicator for front/back and/or corner labelling of both still and moving products
Thanks to the flexibility of ALcode labellers, ALTECH is able to develop complete systems for the
identification of any package, such as cases, boxes, bundles and pallets.
Devices which may be added to the basic configuration in order to solve specific problems are as
follows:
A specific version, ALcode P represents the latest evolution by ALTECH of pallet labelling machines.
The system is able to print and apply A5 format SSCC labels onto two adjacent faces of a pallet (normally front and side) in accordance with the EAN 128 standard (also on three sides if required), providing high reliability, print and apply quality, operations up to 120 pallets/hr.
This print/apply system represents a particularly interesting evolution in the field of pallet labelling machines.
The external structure of the machine has been recently redesigned and is now more ergonomic, thanks to the control panel smartly integrated in the protection cabinet and the (optional) touch screen panel that allows to manage the information to be printed and the applicator logic.
Following the introduction of this new structure, it is now possible to choose between two label application devices:
The first device is the traditional ALTECH applicator with orthogonal axes, which moves on solid rolling guides and can apply labels on two (front + side ) or
three (front + side + back) faces of a pallet. Such an applicator, which can label pallets of different sizes in real time, is one of the classics of ALTECH
production, and the dozens of units already installed show its reliability and versatility in the most diverse applications and working environments.
The second applicator was designed “from scratch” from an original idea of ALTECH designers and offers a simplified, more economical solution for the
application of two labels (front + side) on pallets of the same size. This system is equally reliable and capable of labelling pallets of irregular shapes and
sizes. The application device, which features an innovative application arm with a “rotating” movement and can be activated via a motor, represents a real
novelty.
Both applicators can label the pallet faces with only one stop, and are operated via scanner control enabling the repetition of the application cycle if it has not been successful.
ALcode LL is a new print/apply system of the ALcode range, developed under licence of Irplast, a leading manufacturer of linerless adhesive material. The peculiarity of this innovative technology is the use of adhesive material without siliconated backing, offering the following great advantages compared to the widespread use of self-adhesive labels:
First of all, a considerably lower cost per label;
Secondly, any waste of silicone material (difficult to recycle);
Finally, an increased length of the work runs at every roll change (more than the double).
For an economic analysis of “linerless” technology see the Presentation pps
The unit is based on a few innovative (patented) concepts for unwinding the material from the roll, cutting, overprinting and applying the label thus obtained on the object to label. The process is smooth, reliable over time, and has been widely tested in numerous plants of big companies that have first taken up this economic and environmental-friendly technology.
The application devices are the same as the ALcode range, allowing air and contact application on all sides of an object, including corners, at a variable speed ranging from 20 to 80 labels/min. depending on label size.
ALcode LT is a real time print/apply system for labels, developed specifically for all those applications that require compactness and low cost. It mounts the new SATO LT 408 printing module, able to print labels up to 104 mm width, at a speed of 150 mm/sec and with a definition of 200 Dpi.
The label application devices are most those of ALcode range, but re projected in many parts to respond to the needs of compactness and versatility typical of this model. There is the air jet application for irregular products that move also at high speed, the application by swinging roller for labels of different shapes and the application by piston for still products.
The ALcode LT logic is controlled by microprocessor. The electronics and the pneumatics result harmonically integrated in the strong mechanics that supports the 220 mm diameter unwind unit and the printer, so that the machine results particularly small and light: easy to fit in narrow spaces of packaging lines or in packaging machines.
ALcode TS The new model, named ALcode TS, includes a separated control box where take place the touch screen panel, that shows in an easy and intuitive way all the working parameters.
The new control box can be positioned and oriented in the more comfortable position for the operator. Moreover the technical maintenance results very simplified, since the electronic parts are all placed in the control box.
Thanks to the new touch screen, the ALcode TS adds new features to the traditional Alcode machine, and give the possibility to easily set the machine functions. In particular it is possible:
To configure the labels application cycle (according to the mounted applicator
To set the application delay.
To set supplementary delays in the application cycle (e.g. printing delay) according to the mounted applicator and the application characteristics
To reverse the functioning logics
To store 40 different formats (considered as labels application logics)
To manage optional control systems (label on tamp, scanner)
When using print/apply systems, it is increasingly more necessary to launch the printing of labels directly from the printer, rather than having to place a bulky, sometimes unreliable PC in an industrial environment.
Today, this is possible thanks to COMPO, a control device developed by ALTECH which makes it possible to manage thermal transfer printing units directly from the packaging line. Such a unit can naturally be used at the end of the line, interfacing with one or more ALcode systems, as it allows to launch different kinds of labels for every single machine.
If necessary, ALTECH can supply graphic Software packages in Windows, for the creation and management of labels, and can also develop complete systems as well as supply qualified technical service for the solution of specific labelling problems.
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