Ink jet printer – colour, speed & quality
Photorealistic quality, high-speed printing, durable labelling, simple integration into production
– the new ink jet labelling printer pictor from Murrplastik demonstrates the performance that
contemporary colour-based ink jet printing systems are capable of.
The labelling specialist Murrplastik Systemtechnik, Oppenweiler recently presented the newest
member of its ACS Labelling Systems range at SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2011. the high-end pictor inkjet
printer. With its high print speeds, photo-realistic, high-quality colour printing options, low initial cost,
plus minimal operating and lifecycle costs, pictor is the perfect labelling system for companies with a
medium to high volume of labelling work. It can be used to label both ID plates and labels made from
polycarbonate. When used with the ACS labelling software, companies can produce labels highly
descriptive labels in-house – quickly and simply. Engineering design data can be loaded directly into
the labelling software using the integrated CAD and EPLAN interfaces. With its compact dimensions of
only 530 mm x 530 mm x 260 mm (L x W x H), the pictor fits into any workspace.
Permanent labelling: perfect for the demanding industrial workplace
For the new pictor unit, Murrplastik's engineers developed a special solvent ink. Murrplastik Product
Manager Werner Tubach: "Unlike the typical inkjet inks that we know from the day-to-day office
environment, the pictor's pigment-based solvent ink can penetrate the surface tension of the
polycarbonate carrier medium. The tiny drops of ink therefore dry in the material, rather than on it."
The advantage is that the final lettering produced has far greater durability. The inkjet label is therefore
suited for use in a harsh industrial environment: most types of oils, detergents and solvents will simply
leave the lettering untouched. A UV protective coat can also be applied in scenarios requiring a
greater level of UV protection.
Speed is the key
With the pictor, many companies can now manufacture their entire daily requirements for labelling
plates within just 15 minutes. This frees up personnel for other important tasks.
The pictor is incredibly easy to operate: four labelling mats are fixed to the base plate and are then
labelled within 60 seconds. Different rating plates can also be "mixed together" on a single base plate.
By way of comparison, a plotter needs around 10-15 min. to produce the same output, depending on
text volume. Compared with the plotter, then, the pictor is between 10 and 15 times faster. The base
plate's maximum print area is DIN A4.
Exchangeable base plates will also be available as an option for the pictor. This means the pictor can
be printing to one base plate while the next plate is already being populated. Compared to
conventional population, this enables considerable time savings to be made.
Say it in colour with pictor
Werner Tubach: "The pictor offers companies the chance to display coloured codes, use a range of
character sets, produce special labels, high-resolution gradients or even bitmapped logos – and all in
photo-realistic, pin-sharp quality. This takes industrial labelling into a new dimension." Terminals, for
example, need not be labelled simply with the text "5 volts" or "12 volts", but can also include a range
of colour codes as warning information. This offers an additional level of safety for cabling work in the
switch cabinet. Important: the pictor is ANSI-compliant and therefore satisfies the standards as
specified for the US market. One such standard specifies the use of coloured ID plates and label
lettering.
The pictor's colour technology is based on a 7-colour system plus an optional Gloss Enhancer
cartridge. 190 nozzles per colour ensure an excellent print resolution of 720 dpi. Also beneficial is the
fact the pictor does not require a huge bulk ink investment. At a font size of 24 (in the ACS software),
each cartridge has an average "range" of around 200,000 characters. Unlike UV-LED printers,
disposal of empty ink cartridges is not subject to "special waste" regulations.
Labelling systems and software from a single source
For software, the pictor relies on its "operating system" – the ACS labelling package, which is intuitive
to use and has a proven track record in the industry. The user has all colours, numbers, icons, logos,
single-line and TrueType fonts within easy reach. One particularly time-saving feature in this respect is
the integrated icon database. The ACS package makes migration from one printer system to another a
truly simple process. In just a few minutes, existing projects can be migrated from one Murrplastik
output device to a different printer, such as the pictor.
Labelling solutions from a single source
As one of the world's leading producers of labelling systems, Murrplastik can offer an all-in-one system
capable of handling any labelling task. Complementing its range of labelling systems that runs from
thermal transfer printers and the new pictor inkjet printer to the pulsar laser labeller, Murrplastik also
offers a perfectly-matched portfolio of labelling materials. All materials are halogen-free, meet V0-class
fire requirements, are thermally stable to 140 °C and are licensed for use in rail and vehicle
environments.
About Murrplastik Systemtechnik GmbH
Since its foundation in 1976, Murrplastik Systemtechnik GmbH has been one of the pioneers for hightech plastic products. In 1984 the first open cable drag chain was patented in Oppenweiler. In 1986
Murrplastik Systemtechnik developed the first computer-aided labelling system for single wires,
clamps and control gear. In 1993 Murrplastik Systemtechnik introduced the first cable entry systems.
The latest development from the Swabian engineers caused quite a stir all over world: – the first
magnetic cable drag chain. For the first time travel distances are possible without the upper and lower
chain parts touching. The result: zero wear and tear.
Up to now Murrplastik Systemtechnik GmbH has registered over 100 patents. This is enabled by an
innovation culture that is deeply rooted in the company from apprentice level right up to the
development department. Gaining the competitive edge through innovative means is one of the
guiding principles of Murrplastik Systemtechnik.
For many years the labelling system Made by Murrplastik has proved its worth in difficult day-to-day
operations - from manufacturing plants in the automotive industry to railway technology. The tests
performed at Murrplastik's in-house testing facility guarantee the highest quality when it comes to
longevity, robustness and economical implementation.
Murrplastik products are sold via branches in France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, USA and China as well
as representatives in Europe, North and South America, Africa, Australia and Asia.
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