The pandemic put automation on pretty much every boardroom agenda around the globe. Experts claimed that warehousing and transportation had the third-highest potential of any sector for automation.

One place many high-volume processors started their automation journey was with labelling. Such systems replace manual workflows for better efficiency, they reduce high costs of human errors, and increase 24/7 productivity.

Print and apply systems are suited to high volume applications on labels, cases, pallets, etc, especially in food and drink, and help mitigate burgeoning issues like labour shortages and rising costs. The print and apply market is forecast to grow 2.1% between 2023 and 2030, with product innovations such as TSC Printronix Auto ID’s 6-inch PEX-2000 print engine seen as real opportunities for market expansion.

Print engines are essential to print and apply systems and a 4-inch version of the PEX-2000 was launched in autumn 2023. It promised smaller, faster, greener, and easier integration for industrial labelling. The needs of both system integrators and users were considered in its design. It:

  • Is 14% smaller at the rear allowing for easier integration.
  • Has an adjustable peel-off module, enabling systems integrators to set label feed-out to preferred angles (-3º to -18º).
  • Offers precision printing on labels as tiny as 5mm.
  • Features RFID encoding capability.
  • Has an option to reduce ribbon waste by 30-80%
  • Has a super-fast print speed that scales up any print and apply label application

Points to consider with print and apply systems

When building automatic labelling systems, a number of elements have to be integrated such as PC/PLC controllers, scanners, conveyors, system hardware and software, and label design software. When replacing current print engines, or installing new ones on production lines, it pays to consider three key points:

Compatibility: To synchronise with a system’s PCs or PLCs to complete print jobs, print engines or print modules must be equipped with a GPIO interface, and support GPIO emulations and printer language firmware to simplify integration and migration efforts.

Reliability: To maximise uptime, print engines or print modules, from their components and mechanism design, to their mean time between failures (MTBF) and more, must perform 24/7.

Applicable: Is the print engine or print module the right system design for the applications and daily operations?

TSC Printronix Auto ID print engines and modules are purpose-built for any print and apply system. They can easily be integrated for any application and their robust design not only withstands harsh environments but also affords lasting performance.

Automatic labelling shouldn’t cost the earth (see Image)

While barcode labelling is vital to deliver essential information, it generates considerable environmental footprint.

With sustainability becoming increasingly essential, many operations are looking for greener solutions to minimise environmental impact and comply with regulations.

Automatic labelling is now standard practice for many high-volume applications, so print and apply professionals like TSC Printronix Auto ID are incorporating greener solutions, such as ribbon saving functions to reduce the environmental impact of such processes.

Ribbon savers stop feeding the ribbon when there’s nothing to be printed, so 2-inch high content on a 4-inch by 6-inch label, for example, could reduce ribbon usage by 60% (see image).

By using a ribbon-saving print engine, fewer ribbons are wasted and more labels can be printed per ribbon, reducing waste and improving ribbon ROI.

The impact of ribbon savers

The PEX-2000 patented print engine’s ribbon saver function offers compelling evidence for reducing environmental impact, lowering waste disposal costs, and improving operations. And with fewer ribbon changes, there’s less downtime. A ribbon saver kit enables PEX-2000 print engines to easily be upgraded in the field.

  1. Reduced waste: Depending on the printing pattern, ribbon-saving can save between 30% to 80% of ribbons, reducing material usage and waste.
  2. Improved efficiency: Less time spent replacing ribbons, more time spent labelling.
  3. Long-term cost savings: While the initial cost of an eco-friendly labelling solution may be higher than traditional printers, it can lead to an overall better ROI, with optimised ribbon usage and reduced material management, waste disposal and downtime costs. And for applications using special ribbons such as gold or silver colours, significant cost savings can be achieved.

The PEX-2000 ribbon saver’s design delivers stability and consistent results throughout printing. The auto calculator displays percentages of ribbon saved in real-time, allowing consumption to be effortlessly monitored and optimised for resource efficiency.

Processing volumes in industries like food and drink are massive, and print and apply systems can really increase productivity and facilitate operations. The PEX-2000 Series promises to save time, money and resources in any factory or logistics operation. Ask about print engines at sales@tscprinters.eu