Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September 1, 2001 - Matthews International has announced the introduction of the R4 Control Unit, a configurable, rack-system controller that runs up to 16 Drop-on-Demand™ ink-jet print heads, for the printing of text, graphics and bar codes. The new Jet-A-Mark® R4 can be equipped with up to 4 CPU boards. These boards can be selected from the newer S.C.I. F.I.™ 3200 and DOD 5100 print heads. R4 CPU boards can be mixed up to enable a useful combination of large and small character marking capabilities from a single control unit.

Each CPU module placed in the R4 is a self-contained, control unit. Because of this design, end-users will be capable of connecting additional devices including; one speed encoder, one photocell and one serial interface to each CPU module installed in a R4 Controller.

The introduction of the rack-system controller provides many innovative solutions to packaging manufacturers not currently available with standard products. Development strategies for this configurable control system designed specifically for the packaging industry were formed due to the large, continued demands for custom-built ink-jet printing systems. With the addition of the R4 Controller to Matthews already extensive offering of marking solutions, a customized ink-jet printing solution will be readily available-even to those users with "custom" needs.

The complete R4 Controller system includes an optional, built-in keyboard and display, key lock, 3 LAN cables, start plug, end plug and power cords. Users will also select from 1-4 CPU boards from the 3200 small character system and the 5100 large character. Multiple R4 Controllers can be networked to provide control of up to 64 print heads.

For additional information on the R4 Controller or any of Matthews' marking products contact Matthews International Corporation, Marking Products Division, 6515 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Telephone: 412-665-2488. Fax: 412-365-2042. Web site: www.matthewsmarking.com.