This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
This Website Uses Cookies
By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn More
This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
Provisioner logo Created with Sketch.
Provisioner logo Slice 2 Created with Sketch.
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Provisioner logo Created with Sketch.
Provisioner logo Slice 2 Created with Sketch.
  • News
    • Industry News
    • Supplier News
    • New Consumer Products
  • Profiles
    • Processor Profiles
    • Processor of the Year
    • Plant of the Year
  • Processing
  • Food Safety
  • R&D
    • Ingredients
    • Formulation
  • Sustainability
  • Packaging
  • Regulations
  • More
    • Top 100 Processors
    • Videos
    • Special Reports
    • Commentary
    • Events
    • Webinars
    • Classifieds
    • White Papers
    • Provisioner Store
    • Market Research
  • Magazine
    • The National Provisioner
    • Independent Processor
    • Digital Editions
    • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Connect
    • eNewsletters
    • Source Book
  • MIHOF
Home » Will solvent-based continuous printing expire?
Packaging

Will solvent-based continuous printing expire?

0315np_056_pkgtech_img1_lrg.jpg
March 16, 2015
Chip Bolton
KEYWORDS ink / labeling / labeling systems / printer / printing
Reprints
No Comments
Packers are continually looking for economies and savings in packaging weighed against performance and eye appeal. One market segment that is pulling its weight and delivering the goods is thermal printing technology.

A new twist on an old idea is entering the marketplace: thermal ink jet printing as an alternative to solvent-based continuous ink jet printing. This innovation uses an interchangeable print cartridge in a fashion analogous to a personal printer and puts down a fast-drying ink. Getting a fast-drying ink applied in this manner for meat-processing applications has been the lingering challenge, according to an industry source.

From the processors’ perspective the benefits can be immediate and dramatic. Maintaining continuous ink jet printers requires they be cleaned and flushed regularly, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. The claim with a cartridge-based system is that no maintenance is required. The cartridge is just dropped in and the machine is turned on and ready for action. No warm-up. Down time is virtually eliminated. On the flip side, changeover times for continuous ink jet printers are reported to run anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, so the savings could be significant.

It does beg the question, with such simple and fast replacement, how often do the cartridges need to be changed? I was told customers printing only “sell-by” dates have gotten up to two months use before swapping them out.

Apparently, versatility and speed are not an issue for these machines. They can be mounted on bag loaders and roll-stock machines, and print bottom webs as long as the draw is not too deep to distort the work. As for speed, they have yet to be really challenged by today’s fastest lines, one manufacturer said.

The expected programmable printing capabilities like logos, nutrition panels and graphics are standard. Color printing is a bit cumbersome, but seems to fit the demands. Black, red and blue are available. Just change the cartridge to change the color. At this time, white is not an option.

With claims of little or no maintenance, down times reduced to the bare minimum for changeover, and possibly a couple of months use from a cartridge, how much of a hit to the wallet will a packer take for a thermal ink jet printer system? I have not seen those shiny rocks, nor would I expect to; however, one estimate places the operational savings as high as 50 percent versus a continuous ink jet printer. Seems that would warrant a look which, by the way, is free.

Subscribe to The National Provisioner

Recent Articles by Chip Bolton

Could barrier film help fight food waste?

Sustainable packaging's time has come

Casings: The strong survive

Will complacency catch MAP, overwrap?

Chubs: the crucial, reliable role player in packaging

Chipbolton

Chip Bolton is a principal at J.H. Bolton Communications LLC, with more than 20 years experience in the food packaging industry. For more information, contact him at (864) 525-3494, or chpbolton@gmail.com.

Related Articles

Will complacency catch MAP, overwrap?

In-line weight data can point the way

Weighing systems, the data superstars

Weighing in on production flow management

Related Directories

BELL-MARK

Framarx/Waxstar

Proxes Inc.

ALKAR

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscribe For Free!
  • Print & Digital Edition Subscriptions
  • eNewsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Connect with The National Provisioner

More Videos

Popular Stories

Scott Sechler Jr., Scott Sechler Sr., and Margo Sechler

Bell & Evans: Top-shelf trailblazing

Collette Kaster, CEO, American Meat Science Association

Q&A with Collette Kaster, CEO, American Meat Science Association

newsbriefs

JBS USA intends to purchase Pipestone Facility from J&B Group

Andy Hanacek Pointing to Fake Meat Tabloid

From the Editor's Desk: 'OK to eat meat' not a new message!

Thanksgiving Dinner

Fact or fiction: Turkey makes you sleepy

The National Provisioner 2019 Top 100 Meat and Poultry Processors

Events

January 27, 2020

Meat Industry Hall of Fame

Meat Industry Hall of FameThe Meat Industry Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards Ceremony will recognize the prestigious Class of 2019, on the evening of Jan. 27, 2020, in Atlanta, GA. This Elite Networking Event is co-located with the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE).
January 1, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Products

Advances in Meat Processing Technology

Advances in Meat Processing Technology

See More Products

The National Provisioner

The National Provisioner December 2019 Cover

December 2019

Check out the December 2019 issue of The National Provisioner, featuring our cover story on chicken processor Bell & Evans, the 2020 Economic Outlook for meat and poultry, and much more.

View More Create Account

Independent Processor

Independent Processor December 2019 Cover

December 2019

Check out the December 2019 issue of Independent Processor, featuring our cover story on the family-run Dayton Meat Products, an exciting culinary trend showcased at CAB's annual conference, and much more.

View More Create Account
  • Proteins
    • Beef
    • Pork
    • Chicken
    • Turkey
    • Burgers
    • Sausage
    • Bacon
    • Deli
    • Seafood
    • Lamb / Veal
  • More
    • Want More
    • Partners
    • Food & Beverage Brands
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
    • List Rental
    • Survey And Sample
    • Privacy Policy
  • Expert Commentary
    • Editors Viewpoint
    • Fight for Food Safety
    • Legislative
  • Advertise With Us
    • The National Provisioner
    • Independent Processor
  • Subscribe

Copyright ©2019. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing