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'Swing' to thermal transfer printing

Pouched meat packer saves time and improves print quality and consistency.

CUSTOM FIT. Housed in a compact, custom-engineered frame, the digital thermal transfer printer retrofits nicely to Battistoni’s existing line and codes packages from 6-oz to 5-lb in volume
CUSTOM FIT. Housed in a compact, custom-engineered frame, the digital thermal transfer printer retrofits nicely to Battistoni’s existing line and codes packages from 6-oz to 5-lb in volume

Battistoni Italian Specialty Meats, Buffalo, NY, an artisan producer of premium dry-cured specialty meats, packages sliced pepperoni and salami in various package sizes from 6-oz to 5-lbs. Battistoni uses a combination of laminated and co-extruded thermoformable films with high oxygen barrier to protect the products against oxidation. These films are sourced from multiple suppliers.

To code these packages, the company had been using an automated ink stamp system to print 2 to 3 lines of text (sell by dates and lot numbers) on the sealed pouches. The automated ink stamper caused some problems with print clarity, ink smearing, and occasional failure to deliver complete message prints. Time required to set-up and change over from one product to another was extensive. The system also required constant adjustment. So it was not operating at optimum speed, and was resulting in increasing labor costs for Battistoni.

When Battistoni decided on new thermoforming machinery, the PowerPak ST420 from GEA, the company also re-evaluated its marking/coding systems. The new GEA packaging machine forms a bottom pocket, and the top web film is printed just before it is heat-sealed to the filled meat packs.

Printer upgrade
To address its printing/coding efficiency challenges, Battistoni decided to install a Swing X.2.4H Thermal Transfer unit manufactured by EIDOS Marking Systems, S.P.A. The system was sourced from EIDOS’ North American technology partner Matthews Marking Systems, and it was purchased through the distributor Marktec Products, Inc.

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