posted on June 11, 2012 16:31
Problem: A national pizza manufacturer was hand applying a large preprinted label for every style pizza and now required faster changeover and machine portability. The first approach used a computer hard wired to each printhead. Because of the flexible packaging lines, when they moved printers to a different line, the cords would get dislodged from the ceiling and computers would have to be setup again. If they used extra long cords, they had large coils of computer wire on the floor, which was a safety hazard.
Solution: To address the mobility and fast changeover, we installed 3 ProSeries printheads (4" height) with wireless connectivity. They simply have a transmitter in the wall that talks to each individual printhead and controller no matter where it is on the factory floor. The transmitter is connected to a computer and the receivers are in an NEMA4 enclosure on the conveyor just as it exits the case sealer. The transmitter sends data via radio frequency to each printer on the line with each printhead having its own message.
Now, they print the ingredients and FDA information directly on the blank cases saving thousands of dollars annually. This information was previously printed on a 5 x 8 label and is now coded directly on the case.