Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, January 2004 - The new Jet-A-Mark® R44 Controller - with expanded capability for changeovers and other requirements of identification and marking systems has been launched. The new replaces Matthews' R4 Controller and provides the user with a configurable, multiple printhead, rack-mounted inkjet printing system for marking diverse materials.

Each R44 controls up to 16 Drop-on-Demand™, small character printheads for printing of text, graphic logos and bar codes via up to 4 CPU modules. These modules, which can be selected from Matthews' S.C.I. F.I. 3400 and DOD 5400 systems, can be mixed to handle combinations of large and small characters from a single control unit. The R44 Controller can be networked to control up to 64 printheads.

Because each CPU placed in the R44 is a self-contained, control unit, users can readily connect additional devices such as one-speed encoders, one photo cell and one interface to each CPU module. In addition, a new quick command panel permits fast checking on message selections, also simple message changeovers, printhead flushing and other tasks.

For information on the R44 Controller contact Matthews International Corp., Marking Products Division, 6515 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Telephone: 412-665-2500. Fax: 412-365-2042. Web site: www.matthewsmarking.com.