The Linx IJ350 high-definition Large Character Marking (LCM) printer benefits from a unique self-cleaning method that ensures low cost of ownership, minimal downtime and superior print quality. Freshpack anticipates that the annual cost of printing codes using the Linx IJ350 will be one-sixth of the cost of its existing labelling operation, with payback on investment achieved within two years.
Based in Stoke-on-Trent, Freshpack manufactures own label frozen and baked goods for discount supermarkets, as well as its own Freshpack brand. In order to ensure traceability and logistical efficiency, Freshpack prints highly visible branding and barcode information onto cartons.
The company had been using a combination of labels and low definition LCM printers, but was keen to make cost savings by phasing out the expensive labelling operation.
The launch of the Linx IJ350 provided the ideal solution, because the coder's innovative fully enclosed self-cleaning technology keeps all printhead nozzles clean, all the time, minimising downtime and removing the need for manual intervention.
Designed to guard against dust or poor carton presentation, the unique nozzle protection system prevents costly damage to ensure clear, accurate printing of text, logos and barcodes.
The self-cleaning method is known as 'micro-purge,' which uses a small film of ink on the printhead to collect dirt and debris prior to printing. This is blasted with air to clean the ink from the printing plate; the ink is collected and recirculated, passing through a high performance filter to maintain clean ink in the system. This innovative ink recirculation system reduces the overall cost of ownership and eliminates the need to dispose of waste ink, because every drop of ink is used.
Linx installed a trial IJ350 on one of the production lines and, within one week, Freshpack had placed an order to buy the printer. "The savings achieved from switching away from labels, coupled with the design of the IJ350 which wastes no ink during the automatic cleaning cycles, ensured that the Linx IJ350 was the ideal solution for our needs," confirms Ann Horne, Technical Director of Freshpack. "Given our high volumes and speed of throughput, the printer's low maintenance and reduced downtime adds real value."
The Linx IJ350 installed at Freshpack is running five days a week on a production line that fills around 360,000 cartons per year with potato-topped ready meals such as cottage pies. Each carton is printed with the product name, brand logo and an ITF barcode.
Freshpack also benefits from the other features of the Linx IJ350. The printer is supplied with CLARiSOFT image creation software, from which Freshpack can create error-free codes, adding additional value with customised logos and high quality, GS1-compliant barcodes. The simple user interface uses an icon-based touch screen to ensure clear, error-free code selection: common tasks are only one touch away, and the majority of other functions can be accessed within two touches. As well as being WYSIWYG for ease of message viewing, Linx has created a highly visual status bar, using a 'traffic light' colour-coded system, for "at a glance" updates.
"We are really impressed by the convenience and ease of use of the Linx IJ350," adds Ann Horne. "The ability to display messages prior to production means that the chances of error are significantly reduced, while the simplicity of the interface means that little training is needed before our operators have mastered the system."
With its combination of cost-efficiency, flexibility and ease of use, Freshpack is delighted with the Linx IJ350. "We couldn't be happier with our choice of printer," concludes Ann Horne. "When the time comes to purchase a new or replacement printer, Linx will be at the top of our shopping list."
