Convertec unveils latest version of BrailleMaker One

Ahead of the new European Commission directive 2007/24/EC, relating to the application of Braille to packaging, which is due to become effective in November 2010, Convertec, a Scandinavian graphic arts technology supplier, held an open house to introduce the latest version of its digital printing machine, BrailleMaker One, to label converters.  It is designed to print on plain labels, leaflets for cartons, booklets and multi-ply pharmaceutical labels. 

The four-day event attracted converters from label printing companies in Europe. Carsten Jensen of Convertec said: ‘We have a unique product that meets the new legislation in full. It is also a proven commercial proposition that has been working in several well known label converting companies for almost three years.’ 

Officially launched in 2007, Braillemaker One is a stand-alone unit for the production of digital Braille printing. Convertec’s Peter Nobelius said: ‘Digital Braille printing is not a technique that benefits from inline production. It complicates the set up and operating process, adds nothing in terms of quality, and has the capacity to severely compromise the performance of the printing press. We have tried inline and offline and know that offline wins every time.’ 

With flexibility to adapt to different substrates and different profiles (from flat labels to curved booklets) without loss of accuracy, Braillemaker runs at speeds of 35 m/min. The latest Version 4 has a new X-Tend2 software suite and the latest touch screen control. Twelve international Braille languages can be printed with the specially formulated varnish, and to ensure accuracy, the machine can be linked to an Internet based translation facility, which converts text to Braille in minutes. ‘This absolves the operator of all responsibility for “dot error”,’ explained Nobelius. 

Available in two web widths, 150 and 335 mm, the smaller is for single stream labels, while the wider machine can handle larger layouts. Braillemaker comes as standard with three print heads, each of which is individually controlled, and there is an option for almost unlimited upgrades. It uses the internationally accepted Marburg font for the dots, which Braillemaker can print in three sizes by a simple adjustment. 

The new X-Tend2 software on Version 4 allows data to be downloaded from the server and up to eight labels across the web to be printed either normal or reverse. There are also options for new Braille print combinations with multiple heads on each bracket or with several brackets.  Integrated inspection is provided with the camera linked to the Braille printer. ‘The standard system is provided by HHS, but can also be supplied by Flytec GmbH, part of the AG Graphics Group,’ added Nobelius. 

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