MATTHEWS DEMONSTRATES NEW EASY-TO-USE CONTINUOUS INK-JET PRINTER, FIBER LASER PRINTER, HIGH-RESOLUTION INK-JET CONTROLLER AT EASTPACK 2008

Pittsburgh, PA, May 22, 2008 – Matthews Marking Products is demonstrating three new products – a continuous ink-jet printer (CIJ), a fiber-optic laser printer and a high-resolution ink-jet system -- in booth #4543 at  EastPack 2008 in New York City at Jacob Javits Convention Center June 3-5. Matthews is also demonstrating its Coditherm direct thermal transfer printer with new touchscreen controller and showing static displays of its new V-84 top-of-the-line Drop-on-Demand (DOD) ink-jet marking systems, as well as the SX-16 entry-level DOD ink-jet case coding system.

NEW I-Mark™ C84 Continuous Ink-Jet small character marking system – easy to use, low maintenance

Matthews new C84 continuous ink-jet (CIJ) system prints up to 4 lines of text from .05 in -.61 in. (1.25 mm-15.6 mm) high at a maximum speed of 1,050 ft. per minute.  It may be used with fast-dry, non-MEK and pigmented inks to print expiration dates, batch codes, logos and bar codes on porous and non-porous substrates.  Ideal for cosmetic, snackfood, pharmaceutical, electronic and other packaging applications, the new printer is manufactured in the U.S. The C84’s large, easy-to-read, color, icon-based touchscreen (10.4 in.) and single button controls for jet startup/shutdown make it simple to operate and to create and change messages.  This printer features a self-cleaning printhead.

NEW fiber laser system for on-the-fly marking on metallized or plastic materials

The new e-SolarMark FL fiber laser marking system from Matthews provides on-the-fly or stationary permanent high-quality small character marking/coding of metallized or plastic materials, such as packaging foils.  With no consumables and an average life of 100,000 working hours, the new air-cooled laser marking system requires less space – and consumes less energy than typical YAG lasers. As a standard feature, the new system has the ability to turn text/code 90° and therefore print horizontally or vertically anywhere within the entire marking area.  Competing systems require programming to accomplish this, according to Joe Arnold, Matthews’ Product Manager. Applications for the new e-SolarMark FL system include food/snackfood, beverage pouches, candy, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and others.

NEW low-maintenance, high-resolution IP 7000 eliminates need for labels

The  recently introduced IP 7000 ink-jet system for printing text, logos, graphics and bar codes on one or two sides of cartons/trays offers a combination of high print quality, exceptionally low ink consumption and minimal maintenance requirements.  Matthews’ rugged printheads need no filter changes, recalibration or flushing when the system is shut down. Thanks to a re-circulating auto prime (RAP™) feature, the IP7000 consumes 35% less ink than competing printers.
Designed to print on all types of porous packaging material, the IP7000 has a minimum print height of 2 mm and maximum print height of 100 mm (3.94”) per printhead – one of the highest in the industry. The IP 7000 is PC-based and network-ready, making it easy to create and change print messages -- up to 32 lines of text, fancy graphics and scannable barcodes. 

NEW V84 DOD ink-jet controller with large color touchscreen

The latest addition to Matthews Drop-on-Demand (DOD) ink jet printing controller family, the I-Mark™ V84 is ideal for printing up to 4-5 lines of text, graphics/logos, and bar codes for packaging and industrial applications.  It features an easy-to-use 10.4 inch color touchscreen interface.  The V84 can drive either standard printheads or Matthews’ new low ink-consumption, high-resolution 8000 Series DOD printheads, which last five times longer than other DOD printheads.  Instead of global settings, the V84 allows for independent control of up to four DOD printheads to allow for maximum flexibility.  Icon-based navigation and WYSIWYG format simplify message set-up and changes.  Most printer functions are easily completed in a minute or less, saving time and money. Maximum print speed is 680 fpm (feet per minute) and characters may be from 3/32 in. (2.38mm) to 5 in. (127 mm) high, depending on printheads used.  The V84 uses fast-dry, pigmented, dye and water-based inks in a wide range of colors to print on porous and non-porous surfaces.

I-Mark™ SX-16 for simple, affordable case/tray coding

Coditherm direct thermal transfer printer (600 dpi)  – NEW touchscreen controller

Until now, high-resolution thermal transfer printing of bar codes, lot codes and other variable information has not been possible on uneven surfaces such as imperfectly milled plastic because direct contact with such materials quickly wears out a printhead.  Coditherm uses a patented double-ribbon design that means the printhead itself never contacts the surface being printed.  The mark is created electronically and is then transferred to a silicone-treated heated pad or roller which marks the product.  The mark – up to 600 dpi -- is instantly dry. Coditherm is now available with a touchscreen controller, which permits messages for marking to be created via RS232, USB, Ethernet or wireless connection. 

For more information on the complete range of Matthews Marking Products or the company’s exhibit at EastPack 2008, contact Stephanie Zahringer, Matthews Marking Products, 6515 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.  Telephone (412) 665-2504, fax (412) 365-2042, website: www.matthewsmarking.com.  Matthews Marking Products is a division of the Brand Solutions group of Matthews International Corporation.