Is it time to replace your print and apply labeler? Consider these 10 things to help improve efficiency lower costs when purchasing a new unit.

1. Rick Fox, President
FOX IV Technologies, Inc.

2. Replacing an existing label printer
applicator with a new model is typically a
pretty straightforward exercise. Having
said that, there are applications where a
little time spent prior to purchase by
reviewing the current application could
save the buyer a reasonable amount of
money both in capital costs or operating
costs, not to mention the time spent
evaluating new equipment.

3. Every printer manufacture has its own unique
data stream that defines the characteristics of
what is to be printed on the label.
Some printers will accept label data designed
for other printers. This is called emulaiton.
Printers vary in their ability to accomplish this.
Thoroughly test all label formats prior to
switching from one printer manufacturer to
another.
Would you benefit if the print engine were
the same as the tabletop printers used
throughout your operation?

There could be savings in parts costs as well
as training and repair.

Is the print engine proprietary?
If so, do a thorough parts price comparison.

4. Have your operators meet with the
printer applicator manufacturers to
review basic operation.
Review the basics such as print head and
print roller replacement, supply changes,
and how faults and warnings are handled.

5. Many printer applicators have web based
applications that permit monitoring,
troubleshooting, and modifying the
equipment over the internet.
Is
it time to take advantage of the
increased communication speeds by
switching to Ethernet communication?
What
about Internet access?

6. Label stock is getting thinner - both the face
stock and the liner. Typically this will result
in less costly material. If the thinner label
material is cheaper than your current
material, consider requesting trials on the
new print and apply equipment and your
application to determine if the new label
stock can replace your existing label stock.
Additionally, now may be the time to review
the label design to determine if smaller
labels can be used. Changing from a 4" X 3"
label to a 3.5" X 2.75" label results in an
almost 20% reduction in label material.
Smaller labels result in more labels per roll,
additional production time between
changeovers and reduced label costs.

7. Would
the operation benefit from either
increasing or decreasing supply capacity?
Low volume applications may not require a
12" OD label roll. In addition to less capital
equipment costs, the application may
benefit from a smaller footprint. Also,
operators need not lift the added label roll
weight.
Other applications would benefit from an
increased roll size. Switching from a 12" OD
label roll to a 16" OD label roll almost
doubles the supply capacity. Direct thermal
printing applications benefit the most from
this added label capacity. Thermal transfer
ribbon rolls typically are not available in
these longer lengths.

8. Questions you should be asking include:
How
easy is it to do basic
maintenance on the equipment?
Are
assemblies designed to facilitate
changeovers?
What
troubleshooting guides are
available?
How
can faults and warnings be
configured?

9. Is
it time to switch from air to
electric to operate the equipment?
Air is one of the most expensive utilities
in the factory. Possibly switching some or
most of the utility requirements from air
to electric would reduce operating costs.

10. Does
the manufacturer offer training
on the equipment?
What
is the experience of the
trainers?
Is
both operator and technical
training available?
If
needed, does the manufacturer
offer 24/7 technical support?

11. What
type of guarantees are offered?
What
are the warranties?
Typically the manufacturers offer a one
year warranty on the applicator and the
print engine. Many companies offer
extended warranties.

12. What
has changed in your printing
requirements?
If oriental characters or graphics are
required, a higher DPI might be needed.
On the other hand if you are using a
higher DPI and don’t need it you might be
able to drop down in DPI and save print
head cost while increasing print speed.
Print head resolutions are typically 203,
300, 400 or 600 DPI.

13. By taking a look at these areas and asking
a few simple questions, there is an
opportunity to gain additional
functionality, reduce costs and/or find a
better fit for the labeling application and
it operators.

14. FOX IV Technologies, Inc., has been an innovator in the automated labeling and
coding industry for over 25 years. They offer a full line of label printers and
applicators, ribbons, labels, scanners, enclosures, printing supplies and services,
material handling equipment and software solutions in order to provide fully
integrated turnkey automated identification systems. The company integrates more
than 25 tabletop printers and OEM print modules into rugged label printer applicators
capable of operating 24/7 in a wide variety manufacturing environments. Known
internationally for innovative designs, quality construction and customized solutions,
FOX IV is located approximately 20 miles east of Pittsburgh, PA.
For additional information or to discuss your labeling needs, please contact Patrick
Hiegel at 724-387-3500 or e-mail info@foxiv.com.