New coders offer fast line speeds, easy set-up

AFTER unveiling the Linx 8900 CIJ (continuous ink jet) printer recently, Linx Printing Technologies came out with two more models designed to take on demanding applications in the food and beverage market.

The Linx 8920 and Linx 8940 are comparable to the Linx 8900, but with a few more capabilities to deliver faster line speeds and easier set-up along with a further extension to service intervals, enabling the coders to deal with the most demanding of applications.

The new models feature first-in-class Advanced System Monitoring feature. They have extended the original model 8900’s already impressive service interval of 13,000 hours or 18 months, to 18,000 hours or 24 months.  Since all printers are used differently, the Advanced System Monitoring provides a continual check of the printer’s operation in terms of ink system running parameters and environmental conditions – a feature that allows it to identify simple actions that users can take to prevent unscheduled stoppages, helping to ensure the continuous reliable operation of the printer and avoiding unplanned downtime.

The 8920 and 8940

A ‘50 named lines’ feature on the new models increases flexibility and ease of set-up, ideal for operations that have frequent changeovers.  The coding requirements for each different production line can be given a specific name, which can be called up and selected from a pre-inputted list.  This both saves time and minimises the danger of set-up errors.

In addition, the Linx 8920 and Linx 8940 are able to print up to five lines of code.  Both offer a top speed of 6.25m/s for single line coding, with the 8940 being able to print up to 16 percent faster than the Linx 8920 for other print formats. 

The Linx 8940 improves on the IP55-rated construction of the 8900 and 8920 with an IP65 rating that prevents dust ingress as well as providing wash down protection, offering a higher level of protection for a coder that has to operate in more challenging environments.

The new models are part of the company's continuing Voice of Customer program that ensures its ranges of coders remain in line with current and future market requirements.

“Feedback on the Linx 8900 has been hugely positive with customers particularly highlighting its ease of use, simple servicing and reliability,” explains Charles Randon, Linx’s Senior Product Manager.

“Nevertheless, many companies now have to ask even more of their coders in response to the changing requirements of their customer base.  While retaining all of the proven features of our original model, the new Linx 8920 and Linx 8940 models have therefore been developed to meet ever-more demanding applications.”

Launched in 2015, the Linx 8900 has proved an instant success with strong sales both in the UK and internationally.  Popular user features include its large high resolution touch screen, which is customisable for quick access to regularly used functions and features on-screen message editing prompts for accurate inputting, and the simple Self-Service Wizard, which guides operators through the process for an engineer-free service module change that minimises downtime.

All these models can provide at-a-glance real-time data on the overall production line performance. This feature gives operators the ability to identify patterns or reasons for any stoppages, and act on these quickly so efficiency and productivity are not compromised.