BestCode’s new Quantum continuous ink-jet printer (CIJ) provides a lower-cost alternative for small-character inkjet printing that offers many of the same features as the company’s more expensive stainless-steel, IP-rated unit.
According to BestCode Business Development Manager Andy Fox, All-fill has taken come cost out of the unit to drop the price down. “For example, the Quantum has a black painted control cabinet that is not IP rated as compared with our stainless steel IP-rated system,” he says. “So because we’ve taken the cost out of manufacturing, we’re able to offer it at a much lower price for those low-end, low-cost applications.”
Designed to print best by, lot, sell by, and expiration codes and other identifying marks on non-porous substrates, including plastic, metal, and glass, in real time, the Quantum can print one to five lines of text, barcodes, and graphics at 1,500 ft/min (for one line). Features of the Quantum include an AutoClean setting that automatically cleans the non-contact print head, OneTouch single-step operator functions that reduce operator steps, and on-the-fly external ink filling, for ink filling in less than a minute with no waste.
According to Fox, another feature, which other suppliers often eliminate in lower-cost printers, is a 10.4-in. touchscreen. The touch screen is always on and offers a vivid display with large, intuitive buttons and status indicators. “It provides ease of use and eliminates errors during programming,” Fox explains.
A complete range of dye and soft pigmented inks are available for the Quantum in a variety of colors for a range of applications. PW
