'Swing' to thermal transfer printing

In trying to help Battistoni make its best choice, Marktec CEO William Cox recalled, “We started out considering a continuous inkjet on a traversing arm. But this particular printing application not only required printing on multiple positions across the width of the web, it also required printing multiple positions along the length of the web. We also had to print a relatively small font with very precise print positions. Another challenge was that the Battistoni packaging room is pretty cold, which makes it not particularly conducive to fast ink drying times. Taking all these criteria into consideration, we suggested that the Matthews Thermal Transfer printing technology would be the best option.”

Installed in September 2013, the Swing is a digital thermal transfer printer that can print high-resolution logos, text, bar codes, date/time codes, and lot/batch numbers directly on flexible packaging materials such as paper, foil, and film. The control unit incorporates a 5.7” touch screen graphical user interface that is easy to use and facilitates message and printing parameters selection. The system also offers the advantage of being able to simultaneously print in two directions (latitude and longitude) across the film web and close to the package seams.

With Swing models available for both continuous and intermittent printing applications, the compact unit is engineered for easy integration into existing packaging lines and eliminates the need to maintain an inventory of pre-printed labels. Continuous print speeds are approximately 39.37 inches per second (1000 mm/sec). Intermittent speeds are approximately 13.78 inches per second (350 mm/sec). Available with an extensive selection of thermal non-toxic ink ribbons, the unit can accommodate a wide variety of product/package substrates and applications. Ribbon formulations feature instant dry times and excellent adhesion to the substrate to avert smearing.

Matthews engineered a custom frame for the Swing printer to fit perfectly on Battistoni’s PowerPak equipment, and personnel from Marktec helped train the Battistoni packaging staff to operate the system. Since implementing the Swing unit in intermittent print mode, Battistoni has realized a total reduction in illegible prints and enjoyed an 85% reduction in set-up and changeover times. The employees working on this line have expressed satisfaction with the Swing’s performance. Battistoni expects the machine to pay for itself within three years and is evaluating this printer for other packaging lines in the plant.

Battistoni Plant Manager Betsy Kusmierski comments, “The Matthews Swing unit works like a dream! The new system is mounted directly on the packaging machine and only takes the turn of a knob and a couple computer strokes to set up, change, or adjust.”