Zodiac offers a brighter future for thermal coding

A THERMAL transfer coder with an entirely electronic ribbon drive system has been launched by Interactive Coding Equipment. ICE says its Zodiac coder can match the performance levels of the latest generation of packaging machines, while reducing downtime caused by ribbon replacement and changeovers. T

A THERMAL transfer coder with an entirely electronic ribbon drive system has been launched by Interactive Coding Equipment. ICE says its Zodiac coder can match the performance levels of the latest generation of packaging machines, while reducing downtime caused by ribbon replacement and changeovers. Thanks to the 'solid state' drive system, the Zodiac can run at speeds of up to 1,000mm/second at 12 dots/mm resolution. Bi-directional drive ensures constant ribbon tension and provides accurate and consistent ribbon advance without any adjustments being required. A simple cassette design is free from clutches, brakes and other mechanical parts known to be the common cause of production downtime. The end result is robust reliability coupled with low ownership costs, an ICE spokesperson said. "A further unique benefit is the ability to integrate the same unit into intermittent and continuous packaging machines without any adjustments or change parts being required. This provides a truly flexible package coding solution giving users the ability to transfer the machines between applications," he added. "Given the current switch from intermittent packaging machines towards the faster continuous variety, this feature makes the Zodiac fully future-proof." Maximum print width is 53mm and length is up to 136mm. The unique ribbon drive system allows ribbon lengths of up to 1,000m to be used at widths ranging from 20mm up to 55mm. Designed and manufactured in the UK, Zodiac is suitable for printing text, graphics, and barcodes. It is fully internet ready, with on-board ethernet capability allowing simple integration into factory IT networks.