VERIFICATION HURDLE CLEARED

Independent tests carried out by a large multinational producer have confirmed that bar codes printed using the Mark-O-Print Multiline high-definition ink jet printer all passed verification scans.

Mark-O-Print Limited were invited to take part in the study on the feasibility of using ink jets to encode carton cases with EAN 128 bar codes, in line, thus potentially saving considerable label costs. The 20 samples taken were at 62 per cent and 100 per cent magnification and on five different board types, of which three were brown. The quality checks carried out reported a 100 per cent verification pass rate.

The Multiline is a high-definition ink jet printer capable of printing high quality text (up to four lines per head), logos and, of course, bar codes u to 48mm high, allowing real time on-line coding of data (such as time, batch code) on to traded cartons. Using up to 256 nozzles and non-toxic ink on to absorbent surfaces, they do not suffer from the maintenance problems associated with some of the smaller continuous ink jet systems.