ALwrap is a sophisticated, yet easy to operate, desktop labelling machine. It uses the same fundamental stepper motor control cards as our high-level labelling machines, and this control allows it to not only complete some applications other desktop machines cannot, but also, where desirable, to directly connect a compatible I/O equipped industrial desktop thermal or even colour printers from brands such as Sato, Toshiba TEC, Zebra, and Epson.
Simplifying the Process
In simple terms, the connection via I/O ports means that the ALwrap and the printer can talk to each other directly. As a result, when the ALwrap applies a label, the printer is simultaneously printing the next label. This synchronisation ensures that the printing and labelling actions are perfectly timed with each other.
Benefits of Synchronised Operation
This direct communication system has several practical benefits:
Minimised Waste: By printing labels concurrently with application, there is minimal label waste. Traditional systems might print out all labels in advance, some of which may not end up being used, leading to excess waste. With synchronous operation, you produce only what you need, when you need it, significantly reducing unnecessary waste.
No Secondary Process: Everything happens in one go. There’s no need to first print a batch of labels and then start the process of applying them. This integration eliminates the need for a secondary process, streamlining production and reducing the handling time and effort.
Adaptability: Whether you are dealing with different label designs or variable printing data (like barcodes or expiry dates), the system adjusts in real-time. This adaptability ensures that each label is accurate according to the latest data (e.g. regulatory change), enhancing the overall quality of your product packaging and ensuring legislative compliance.
Reduced Error Rate: The chance of human error is also significantly reduced. Automated synchronisation means labels are less likely to be applied incorrectly, ensuring a higher consistency and reliability in your product packaging.
Depending on the printer you choose, these can offer specific additional benefits.
Colour printers, like the Epson C6500 inkjet printer, offer a low cost full printing functionality and can print anything from tiny labels for vaping liquid bottles, to large durable labels suitable for chemical drums, or gas cylinders, as per our example below.
Ribbon-save equipped thermal transfer printers, like the Toshiba TEC EX4T1 and EX6T1 models provide fantastic flexibility, with their ability to lift and drop their print heads between print impressions on the label, meaning they can print both large and small areas efficiently, e.g. for full label printing, or to just add a batch/date code, as per our example.
Ultra-high definition printer: The Sato CL4NX printer is not only one of the most user friendly machines on the market with it video capable colour touch screen, displaying setup and user help videos when needed, it also leads the field when it comes to ultra high-resolution 609dpi thermal transfer print, especially on small labels used in electronics and pharmaceutical applications.
