Thermal Transfer Overprinters

Often printing little more than just a 'Batch' & 'Date Code', and seen by many as a more modern electronic replacement for a hotfoil printer, thermal transfer overprinters (or intermittent printers, as they are commonly referred to in labelling spheres) are actually capable of printing text, 1D/2D barcodes and simple graphics with a print area defined by their print head width and mode of operation which is discussed below.

Thermal Transfer Overprinters can operate in either Continuous Print mode - where the printer is encoded to match the media web speed - or Intermittent Operation - where the printer moves the print head typically up to 75mm over stationary base media, making them extremely flexible and easy to install in a variety of applications.

Almost all ALTech labelling heads can be fitted with a Thermal Transfer Overprinter (including the possibility to retrofit), but with the key distinction to our core print and apply machine range, that overprinters operate in an intermittent mode on a labelling head, printing in the dwell time between label applications, and in a specific position (on the label) as manually positioned via an X/Y bracket. This combined with a relatively small print head (normally 32mm or 53mm, but also available in 107mm print width) mean that these printers are extremely efficient in their ribbon useage, as well a providing a high-quality, immediately dry print images with excellent clarity

Another appreciated advantage of a Thermal Transfer Overprinter (when operating in intermittent print mode) is that the sweep of the print head does not necessarily need to be in the same direction as the web feed , so unlike 'directional' print technologies such as TIJ or CIJ printing, Intermittent Thermal Printers can print at 90 degree to this direction which is particularly useful and commonplace with labels.A variety of manufacturers and models of the machine are available.

We work with proven partners and have formal relationships with leading suppliers such as Markem (Markem X30, X45, X65) and Clearmark ICE (ICE Zodiac, ICE Hawk, ICE Kestrel), with a wide selection of machine models and performances, generally separated by the functionality of their integrated controllers (which provide standalone functionality and the ability to enter any variable print information locally to the device) and are standard with all devices.

Thermal Transfer Overprinters are a regular addition to our labelling heads, but can also be supplied as part of a Feed System for Barcode & Batch Code information on flat cartons or foil pouches, for example.