First, Neuralabel introduced their newly available, straight paper path
version of the 300x.
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| Straight Paper-Path 300x |
With this version, the paper path changes from having 3 turns to
straight through. In the previous
version, labels may pre-dispense (come off the liner) and get stuck inside. If the label was synthetic so
it would not rip, no big deal. If the
label was paper, it was almost impossible to remove the shredded label. This change makes the 300x much more usable. Watch it print fanfold labels here:
(FYI: you may notice the paper path is opposite from the previous
version as well).
In addition, Neuralabel has developed a very unique solution
for fixing plugged inkjet nozzles: cleaning solutions:
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| 300x Inkjet Nozzle Cleaning Solution |
According to Neuralabel, the cleaning solution can fix simple plugged
nozzles. Having dealt with this issue
many times in the past, I think this simple solution is a great idea. It could cure a major portion of the service
calls around inkjet label printers.
The new straight paper path 300x offers high resolution, and very fast
printing. And the new 300x does not
require the operator to move the printer when changing print widths. This printer costs about $10,000, and still
requires blackmarks on the labels (no gap sensor). Further, I still have concerns about printing
full-bleed as it requires .25” gaps.
I see the 300x as a good option for chemical companies wanting to
upgrade the print quality and speed of their GHS label printers.
Second, I saw again the latest prototype of the Okidata LED-based
label printer.
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| QL-300 LED Label Printer |
Okidata has selected AstroNova to sell this printer in North America;
and will sell it under the model number QL-300.
Okidata has solved some of the key issues with LED/laser printers with
this new technology: Wasted labels on
every print job, large label minimum widths and lengths and color
registration. With this printer, you can
print down to a 4” minimum batch length with down to .5” minimum label length. And it prints down to a 1”
minimum width.
 |
| QL-300 LED Label Printer |
But the big reason to use this new printer is the availability of white
toner, matte black color and the ability to print various materials including
foil labels. White toner, deep blacks
and good results on foils, clear films and vinyl will make this new printer fit
many customers.
 |
| Silver Foil and Clear Film Printed on the QL-300 |
AstroNova has yet to announce the price of the printer, but has said
the toner cost per label will be comparable to existing inkjet. I
still need to test to insure the actual results match the claims; and I hope to
get one in the 1st quarter of 2019.
Finally, I got the chance to study the Trojan T2C, the first available “Mini-Press”.
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| T2C Mini Press |
During this deep dive, I learned three key aspects of this Memjet-based
press. First, the printer has only one
consumable item in addition to the ink: a cleaning roller. It makes this version of Memjet printers
easier to maintain.
Second, the T2C uses 8 liters of ink:
 |
| T2C Uses 8 Liters of Ink |
That’s a lot of ink and labels; and a lower ink cost than most other on-demand
color label printers. It may be the lowest
ink cost per label!
Third, I found the new Niagara ink from Memjet, Purell resistant:
 |
| Purell Resistant Memjet Ink |
In addition, I tested the ink once I returned with 70% IPA on gloss
paper. And it withstood the IPA fairly
well. After soaking for about 1 hour,
the ink did smear slightly. No bad for paper
and dye-based inks; and a big deal for companies needing alcohol resistance on their labels.
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| Alcohol Durable, Dye-Based Memjet Ink |
The T2C costs about $30,000; therefore, this printer is designed for
companies printing thousands per batch.
You can pay $40,000 and save about 33% on all future ink purchases as
another option.
After Label Expo 2017, I wrote about the T2C and the Okidata LED
printer:
And here is the summary of Label Expo 2016:
And Label Expo 2014:
And Label Expo 2012 #1:
And Label Expo 2012 #2:
Things have changed in the last 6 years. Some printers have hit it big; and other not
so much.
Let me know if any of these ideas presented in this summary of Label
Expo 2018 could fit your business. Look
forward to hearing your feedback.
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
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