Food & Drink Process & Packaging Issue 17 2018 | Page 33

Linx 8900 meets condensation printing challenge A Linx 8900 Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ) printer is enabling erlenbacher bac- kwaren, a leading German manufactu- rer of frozen cakes, to effectively and reliably mark its plastic film packaging even through condensation. Since the company started using the Linx model – supplied by Linx’s German agent Bluhm Systeme – it has been highly impressed with its printing capabilities and ease of operation. Cakes from erlenbacher backwaren are subject to temperature differences du- ring the production process, which can lead to condensation forming on the packaging film. The Linx 8900 is able to print through a layer of moisture to deliver a clear, readable and durable code, which remains in place on the substrate in temperatures of minus 35 degrees in deep-freeze storage. As part of erlenbacher backwaren’s quality assurance programme, the cakes are printed with a batch ID num- ber as well as the compulsory use-by date. Walter Thellmann, responsible for maintenance at the company, says the Linx 8900 is more than capable of kee- ping up with the company’s production to quickly select files for printing. Va- rious production parameters can also The Linx 8900 offers maximum flexi- be entered and stored, enabling the bility for placement on the production printer to be configured for up to four line, thanks to its compact dimensions different production scenarios at the touch of a button. Password protec- tion prevents unintentional incorrect line. entries. “Frozen products pass the printer at a The Linx 8900’s design also avoids speed of 35 metres per minute, so that errors during the refilling of inks and more than 1,000 units can be marked solvents. The containers for these per hour,” he explains consumables are different sizes so that they can only be placed in the correct including the ability to be wall-moun- ted, and its long 6m printhead conduit. Maintenance is extremely easy, with the machine only requiring service every 18 months, and taking just 30 minutes for untrained personnel to complete via simple menus that guide the user through the process. Another key benefit of the Linx 8900 location. Automatic fluid recognition is its ease of use. The 10-inch touchs- ensures that the right fluids are used in For more information on Linx’s pro- creen makes adding and altering text the printer, while a special septum seal ducts and services, visit www.linxglo- extremely easy, and allows operators prevents ink and solvent leakage. bal.com FDPP - www.fdpp.co.uk 33