Processors are constantly searching for faster ways to code packaging as demand for tracking and tracing increases across an ever-widening array of products. A portable system allows processors to move the coder between different lines, reducing the need to buy multiple machines.
Norwood Marking Systems and Allen Coding Systems, two sister companies, joined together to produce the BDSV system, which transports product from the hopper through the printhead with a vacuum drive.
Norwood/Allen claims the BDSV's vacuum transport system enables it to handle complex shapes, odd sizes and thinner material while achieving excellent registration.
Traditional off-line carton coding systems use belt drives to transport products.
The BDSV coders are available with either thermal transfer or hot foil printing technology.
Unlike belt roller systems, which leave a "dead area" within the print area, the vacuum drive allows packagers to print anywhere within the capability of the print head, the manufacturer claims.
The BDSV handles carton blanks from 3.5 x 3.2 inches (90 x 80 mm) up to 12.4 x 12.4 inches (315 x 315 mm) in size. If equipped with Norwood/Allen's NX4 thermal transfer printer, the BDSV can achieve a print area as large as 4.20 x 3.54 inches (107 x 90 mm). If equipped with Norwood /Allen's 60/35S hot stamp printer, the BDSV can produce a print area up to 2.4 x 1.4 inches (60 x 35 mm).
Rapid product changes can be accomplished quickly and easily with the BDSV's adjustable feeder and position indicators, the manufacturer claims.
A product size change can be made in only two minutes with no tools and no change parts required, the manufacturer claims. Machine parameters such as speed, index length and batch quantity can be changed via the keypad.
The BDSV operates at speeds of up to 295 feet (90 m) per minute, handling up to 160 cartons per minute, the manufacturer claims.
The BDSV can print batch and production codes, expiration and sell-by dates, logos, barcodes and other graphics, depending on the capabilities of the printhead that is integrated.
The off-line carton coder sits on castor wheels so it can be moved from one area to another.
Manufactured from stainless steel and anodized aluminum, the BDSV meets the needs of the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and chemical industries. The system comes standard with a batch counter and low foil warning with auto stop.
The BDSV carton coder can be equipped with options including bar code scanners-verifiers, blob detectors, vision inspection and print verification assure the product quality.
An extra-long version, the BDSVL, can be fitted with multiple printheads so a single run on a four-printhead system achieves the same results as four passes on a single-printhead system.
Norwood Marking Systems and Allen Coding Systems manufacture thermal transfer printers, hot stamp imprinters as well as ink and embossing printers that code and mark for a wide variety of industrial markets worldwide.