Multivac introduces TTO thermal transfer printer

ENGER, Germany – Multivac Marking & Inspection is launching its own thermal transfer printer (TTO). Operation is completely integrated in the Multivac HMI 2.0 user interface. A separate printer terminal is therefore not required. That means fewer cables, better hygiene properties and simple installation and operation.

The TTO has been optimised for use on Multivac packaging machines and marking systems. It prints all the common barcode formats, offers various ribbon-saving functions and has the standard interfaces for external communication.

Its operation is completely integrated in Multivac's HMI 2.0 user interface. The data is processed via the IPC 06 machine control in the packaging machine or marking system and it is visually displayed very clearly to the operator via the HMI 2.0 interface. Thanks to this integration, the number of connection cables per printer has been reduced.

"The handling of the printers is simplified by the operation of any number of printers via one control terminal. The use of fewer cables also increases the level of hygiene on Multivac machines," said Michael Reffke, product manager for Marking Systems at Multivac Marking & Inspection.

Many of the procedures are automated due to the central management of all the layouts on the machine terminal. The print layouts can for example be loaded onto the desired printer together with the recipe selection for a specific batch. The backup and restore functions, as well as the data acquisition, are performed centrally via one panel.

With thermal transfer printing, thermal transfer ribbons coated with ink are used. The coloured ribbon is fed under a thermal print head. This has hundreds of computer-controlled heating elements which transfer the print image. If a heating element is triggered and the head of this element is heated, the ink layer in the ribbon melts and is transferred onto the paper.