From glass to vinyl, and steel to timber, the new Matthews I-Mark SX 32 is a powerful, flexible inkjet printing solution for industrial and packaging environments. The wide selection of print-heads available means it can print from 2.5 to 128mm — in text, bar codes or high-resolution graphics.
Key facts:
• can be networked back to the IDSnet software suite
• icon-based, user-friendly interface
• can print on two opposite sides of cartons
• IP42 classification for dusty, damp environments
• can print on porous or non-porous surfaces, and
• each unit controls up to four print-heads, including variable print height and dot size.
The new I-Mark SX32 DOD inkjet coder, which Matthews Intelligent Identification has just released in Australia, has been specifically designed to be simple, but reliable.
Carl Reid, Matthews’ product manager for inkjet products, says the name “SX” came from the system being “simple and expandable”.
“It’s also extremely reliable, having the same dependable Matthews technology,” Reid explains,“ but Swedot has included several new features, making it even more user friendly.
“Focusing firstly on the applications, the SX32’s sturdy casing guarantees safe usage in any industrial environment — regardless of dust or vibrations. It prints anything from low-resolution, seven-dot-high text on cardboard boxes, to 64mm high solid text on non-porous surfaces.”
The IP42 classification ensures its suitability for dusty and damp environments
“Looking at the system’s simplicity and user friendliness, the icon-based user interface — which gives a good overview of the different options — has password-protected user levels, making the controller very easy to operate,” says Reid.
“The control unit has an integrated QWERTY keyboard, and includes hot keys for frequently used functions. Selection help windows are also available to explain icon functions.
“Both the hot keys and interface design help to minimise operator errors.”
Regarding the ‘expandable’ aspect, Reid says the I-Mark SX32 can be used with any seven, 16 or 32-valve print head from I-Mark’s standard or 8000 series. “It can even drive either standard or 8000 series print-heads from the same controller.
“Installing the system requires very little space, which is often a consideration for manufacturing sites with limited space.
“The system also enables double-sided marking of graphics and text — another of the many reasons we’re excited about this system: this flexibility is unique!”
Affixing the control unit is also flexible: it can be mounted onto either a bench or a wall; a wall bracket is optional.
Other options on the I-Mark SX32 include fan-out cables for use with seven-valve print heads; PC software; a photocell and a speed encoder.
Reid says the I-Mark SX32 satisfies the market’s need for a highly flexible printing solution at a low investment cost.
“Its applications are endless. Just a handful include bar codes, product ID, informational text and logos onto glass, plastics (incl. pipe), end-grain lumber marking, galvanised steel marking, grade marking engineered wood, clay, stone, masonry and cement-based products, large character coding on shrink wrap, tray packs, kraft bags, corrugated box and small character package coding.”
