Thermal Transfer Overprinter Reduces Cost and Improves Print Quality for Beef Processor
PREVIOUS PROCESS:
A meat processing facility required a new printing system to replace Markem 962 dry touch inkjet printers. In addition to replacing outdated printers, the processor hoped to improve the quality of print, reduce downtime and ultimately reduce the cost per print.
The facility is a cold environment operating around 34 degrees F with washdown conditions. The processed meat is supplied to a K-Pak Chubmaker 4000 and packaged into various size chubs. The manufacturer's logo, USDA bug, line number, period, time stamp and fat content ratio must be printed on the film.
ID TECHNOLOGY PROPOSAL OR SOLUTION:
Print formats are pre-programmed in the Unicontroller and selected by the operator to print the required information on the film. The format contains a graphic file, variable and fixed data fields. The graphic file contains the USDA bugs and logos. The variable fields are based on time and calculated within the Unicontroller.
Just before the web of film enters the Chubmaker to be formed into a tube, the codes are printed. The thermal transfer overprinter is positioned on the K-Pak Chubmaker 4000. After the chubs are filled and sealed, the package travels to a nitrogen quick freezer.
The thermal transfer printing system consists of an EPD Communicator with a printhead heater to address the cold environment, a Harsh Environment Unicontroller, a removable stainless steal enclosure and a 500mm bracket.
COST SAVINGS/PRODUCTIVITY GAINS:
ID Technology's Thermal Transfer Overprinting system has reduced the cost per print by at least 50% while producing a better quality mark and a major reduction in downtime.
