The 2200 Production Interface launched today reduces the risk of rework and recalls by minimizing the scope for operator error since label data and formats can be more easily controlled. Downtime is reduced by the ability to preview and adjust labels digitally. It is also improved by a large intuitive touchscreen which helps operators work more quickly.
With downtime, rework and recalls eating into profits, manufacturers need to minimize these elements. The 2200 Series Print & Apply (P&A) labeling system for cases and pallets has long been proven to save up to six days downtime per year. Today’s launch builds on this through a combination of new features which limit the potential for operator error, speeding up changeovers even further while reducing rework and recall likelihood.
Traditionally, labels have been created and stored away from the production line. Untrained or distracted operators can make mistakes by picking the wrong product label and/or inputting the wrong data from the remote location (e.g. in an office or separate line PC). With no label preview function at printer level, mistakes can only be spotted after printing has started, resulting in production stops and rework; undetected, this can result in recalls.
The Production Interface minimizes scope for such mistakes and accelerates changeovers. It also makes case and pallet labeling less resource-intensive to manage, freeing up operators to do other, higher priority activities.
The improved storage capacity means labels can now more effectively be stored en masse at printer level with limited image editing capabilities, protecting layout and data integrity, while increasing speed. Enhanced connectivity also makes it easier for label formats and data to be retrieved, on demand, from a remote location directly to the printer via the CoLOS® information management system, for even greater accuracy and efficiency.
Incorrect label selection by operators can also be eliminated by enabling keyboard-free label selection and variable data updating through a connection to a hand-held barcode reader which could, in turn, be linked to a production manifest.
The Production Interface’s large touchscreen also shows exactly how variable content will appear on the eventually printed label. If needed, operators can easily make six types of minor adjustments, such as label position and print contrast, digitally via the interface. In other labelers such setting changes can be so difficult to access that operators commonly resort to manually moving the printer product sensor which can result in equipment damage and personal injury.
The highly streamlined and intuitive, full-color interface also makes it quicker and easier to switch between jobs and deal with other printer issues. Operators are no longer distracted by extraneous detail of limited use in day-to-day printing. Available in
10.1 inch (261 mm) or 15.6 in (396 mm) touchscreens, color-coded printer statuses are more visible at a distance so problems can be spotted and addressed without delay.
Warnings and alerts can easily be viewed in the user’s chosen language which also speeds up problem resolution, without needing to look up complex error codes.
The entry-level Production Interface can control one 2200 Series P&A system while the advanced version can handle two on the same or different lines. The CoLOS Line Terminal variant can manage up to four printers of any type (not just P&A) while also deploying other applications, such as COLOS Mark & Read and CoLOS Printer Performance, for the ultimate solution in accuracy, traceability and efficiency.
For more information, including an animation illustrating the benefits, please visit: https://www.markem-imaje.com/2200-series.
forrás: markem-imaje.com 2020.05.13