Versatility redefined

Featuring a number of major enhancements and innovations to offer maximum flexibility and versatility for end-users, combining modular design with high-speed, high-quality label printing, application and optional RFID encoding, US owned Weber Marking Systems’ newly introduced 5300 label printer applicator series is targeted to increase total annual sales by around 20% within the next twelve months. The modular design facilitates six different pressure-sensitive label application methods: air-blow, tampblow, direct-tamp, corner-wrap, swing-tamp and two label/adjacent panel printing. This enables the 5300 to be reconfigured to meet future labelling requirements from 20micron thickness upwards without the need to acquire a separate printerapplicator.

Another unique feature of the new model is its one-to-one media consumption. Special label unwind and rewind dimensions are matched to the system’s ribbon supply to ensure that they are consumed at the same rate. This reduces downtime and eliminates partial changeovers. In addition, the unit’s rewind system automatically adjusts to the amount of liner on the take-up reel, providing added operational dependability. Further flexibility is provided by the standard connectivity to product handling systems and high-speed pneumatic components.

A number of enhancements have been introduced to make the 5300 as user-friendly as possible. The machine can be monitored remotely via a web browser, detailing the status of all operational functions and configurations. As well as providing easy access for all production data, this also enables fault finding and diagnostics to be carried out remotely for fast service response and minimum downtime. Up to 500 different label printing formats can be stored in the system’s memory, enabling operators to select jobs directly from the applicator. A repositionable operator interface, including the availability of an optional 15-foot umbilical, provides maximum flexibility in the placement of the controller.

A variety of standard thermal/ thermal-transfer printing engines produce text, bar codes and graphic images at 203 or 300dpi, and will dispense labels at up to 406mm /sec. The optional RFID models combine printing capabilities with the encoding and verification of RFID inlays to the meet the specifications of EPC protocols. The 5300 operates with Weber’s print-apply software, which simplifies label formatting, editing and printing. Whilst approx. 60% of all printer applicators require a degree of customisation, the 5300 is positioned to sell from around £11,000 upwards to a likely maximum of £20,000.