Rockline Europe invests in coding technology for primary and secondary packaging

In replacing its existing CIJ coders, Rockline Europe was seeking cleaner and more efficient models with the capability to keep up with line throughputs. In particular, with any downtime being extremely costly, the new coders had to be reliable and able to operate consistently at high speeds.

This has seen it install 13 ICE Zodiac thermal transfer coders and nine ICE Viper thermal inkjet printers. The Zodiacs are used for primary packaging and the Vipers for secondary packaging.

The patented bi-directional ribbon drive of the ICE Zodiac allows unused ribbon to be recaptured following each print, maintaining a 0.5mm gap between prints to create more prints per roll and ensuring the highest efficiency of use. The ICE Viper can print up to four lines of text at 600 DPI resolution as well as barcodes, 2D data matrix codes and logos.

Simon Neale, UK general manager at Rockline Europe, explained: ‘Rockline is a highly automated high volume low-cost manufacturer, and the ICE machines are reliable and can keep up with the demands of our operation. Our operators find it easy to get to grips with the ICE printers through their simple-to-use touchscreen interface. Consumable changeovers are also fast and simple with the Zodiac’s quick ribbon change and the Viper’s easy-change cartridge.

‘ICE has a reputation in the industry for reliable products and responsive service, always being at the end of the phone when you need them, along with comprehensive aftercare including good consumable and maintenance support. All these factors, together with the more efficient and cleaner operation of the machines, were instrumental in our purchasing decision.’

Rockline Europe produces over 220 million individual packs of wipes per year. Among these are over-the-counter antibacterial wipes, adult incontinent wipes, and household cleaning and disinfectant wipes.

‘Further down the line, we intend to forge ahead with new line development, so there is room for even more work with ICE. This includes expanding our range of ICE products.’