Markem-Imaje adds SmartDate Xpert and SmartDate Xceed to complete SmartDate X series of thermal transfer ribbons

The high-end SmartDate Xpert ribbons are formulated for difficult environmental conditions, and their resin base allows for coding in extremely hot environments and offers a high level of resistance to oil, solvent and abrasion. They are capable of resisting temperatures as high as 250 degrees C and can be used on the SmartDate X60 up to speeds of 600mm/s. Further, SmartDate Xtra ribbons allow all products to be coded using just one ribbon grade. Codes are 25 percent more durable than when using other comparable ribbons, the company claims, which ensures codes remain legible throughout the production process and transportation. SmartDate Xtra ribbons are available in 1,100m and 900m lengths to limit production downtime.

The SmartDate Xceed range offers the most cost effective solution without compromising print quality. Available in black and white, it is compatible with corner edge thermal printheads, so allowing production of higher quality codes at faster line speeds, it is claimed, and in more demanding environments.

Their launch follows that of SmartDate Xtra, and completes the company's range of SmartDate X thermal transfer ribbons. The entire family of SmartDate X series ribbons is certified by Markem-Imaje, and allows customers to make the best of the company’s SmartDate coders and benefit from all product warranties including the thermal printhead warranty. Customers also have direct access to a single point of contact for global support.

Stephen Kean, Markem-Imaje thermal transfer product manager, said: ‘The new SmartDate Xpert ribbons are the ideal solution for the evolving needs of the food and beverage industry, with the ability to code on all types of flexible material and print ultra-sharp text, logos and high density graphics, including 2D codes.’

Markem-Imaje, a wholly owned subsidiary of the US-based Dover Corporation, is a manufacturer of product identification and traceability products, covering inkjet, thermal transfer, laser, and print and apply label systems. It acquired the CSAT inkjet subsidiary from Heidelberg in 2014. The acquisition was part of Markem-Imaje’s focused strategy to broaden its technological expertise.