machines, so they are easier to mount
onto a thermoformer and occupy less line
space than a TT printer.
Then there is the issue of upkeep; TT
printers have a lot of moving parts
such as springs and pulleys that require
maintenance. By contrast, TIJ printers
have no replacement parts other than
the inkjet cartridge. All of these benefits
combined result in a much lower cost of
ownership for TIJ versus TT.
With the thermoformer producing 10
packs per cycle (two packs long, five
across), Rotech’s solution was to fit five
X1 Jet TIJ printheads in a fixed position
across the web to print the film as it
passes through the machine, eliminating
the need for an expensive indexing
system.
“Set-up time is far less than with Indexing systems are an expensive
independently controlled coders,” explains modification to be avoided if possible.
Steve Ryan, sales manager at Rotech.
“The X1 is ideal for centrally controlled
applications. It is an entry level printer and
doesn’t have a built-in interface unless a
Because of space limitations, the customer specifically requests one.”
coders were installed in a staggered The printers use iDesign format creation
configuration on two frame assemblies,
one below the other, with three on one
row and two on the other. The film web is
coded in a vertical position before being
applied to the pack.
software, which not only enables the user
to create and edit the print image from
the central PC, but also provides useful
updates, print quality checks and ink
consumption levels.
rather than having individual control “This project is a great illustration of how TIJ
networked to a central PC.
be indexed or the printer to be moved back
across the web, so there is no need for an
indexing unit and there is no ribbon wastage.
Added to this, it’s a simple, easy to use
installation that requires no maintenance or
servicing - just the occasional replacement
of a click-in, click-out cartridge,” says Steve.
information such as ‘job completed’
A further benefit of this set-up is that
panels on each unit, the coders are all
This configuration doesn’t require the film to
can offer a simple and lower cost alternative
to other more complicated and costly coding
Rotech Machines
www.rotechmachines.com
Tel: +44 01707 393 700
systems.
FDPP - www.fdpp.co.uk 31