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Welcome, Here's the February 26, 2010 edition of Fox IV Technologies News. Be sure to edit your profile and you'll only receive content that matches your interests. We hope you enjoy this service and we look forward to your feedback. IN THIS ISSUE:
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TECH TIP: Adjusting Print Speed, Darkness & Contrast
Assuming the correct media and ribbon supplies are being used in a label printer applicator, the three main variables that effect print quality are print speed, darkness, and contrast. These three variables will vary depending on the type of supplies used in the printer. They are frequently overlooked and misunderstood when setting up a printer. |
Great Prices on Zebra PAX Printer Modules
Need to upgrade your Plug and Play printer module to incorporate the latest technology? Call us for a terrific price on a new PAX module. FOX IV is a Registered Zebra Partner with more than 25 years of experience installing and servicing Print & Apply equipment. We can help you select the right module for your operation and provide you with the tools to keep it up and running. When you are ready to invest in new Print & Apply equipment, FOX IV will make the transition a smooth one with our broad line of Zebra Print & Apply solutions. Let us know if you are considering a trade-in for your new PAX module and we'll find out if we can save you even more when you upgrade. Call toll-free today: 1.877.436.2434 |
FOX IV Gearing Up for Material Handling Show
Once again this year, FOX IV Technologies, Inc. will showcase the present and future of Print & Apply at NA2010 in Cleveland. The Material Handling Institute of America show is set to run from April 26-29 at the IX Center. Please visit us in booth #1214. If you would like to attend NA2010 for free as a guest of FOX IV, please visit foxiv.com to register as an attendee. |
TwinPrint Packing Slip Solution Gains Momentum
Companies looking for efficiency and cost savings in their shipping lines continue to show enthusiasm for the FOX IV TwinPrint label printer applicator. The patented FOX IV TwinPrint system automates the entire shipping label/packing slip process – no more printing, folding, stuffing and applying packing slips or shipping labels by hand to the cartons and no more customer complaints that the address label and packing slip don’t match. By selectively die cutting the label and the liner, an adhesive border is created that completely surrounds the printed liner. This label design lends itself to dual-purpose labels for applications such as combining shipping labels and packing slips, shipping labels with lot traceability information or covert brand protection identifiers and product identification labels with return forms or special offers. The information on the printed liner remains confidential and provides tamper-evident protection. Read more. READ ON for more information on barcode printing from newsletter sponsor Zebra! |
| Catch our Latest Videos on YouTube! See in action how Zebra's innovative solutions can help you improve your processes. Visit Zebra's YouTube channel to see a host of video case histories—as well as brief demo videos like these:
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| Car Wash Customers Take a Shine to Line-Busting Solution: New Case Study The Wash Tub car wash chain has cut customer wait time, added personalized customer greetings, reduced cashier labor 15 to 20 percent, and increased revenue through improved upselling. Find out more about the benefits of its mobile line-busting solution. |
Xi4™ Printers: New Levels in High Performance The next generation of Zebra Xi™ series printers stand up to your most demanding applications, delivering the power and reliability expected of a premium performance printer, and making them your smartest investment.
Xi4 printers ensure lower total cost ownership--first, by delivering the hallmarks of Zebra's legendary built-to-last, all-metal Xi™ series:
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| Shedding Light on Bar Code Printing What are 2-D codes and multiple symbologies? Can a laser printer be used to print bar code shipping labels? What is autodiscrimination? As your business strives to improve data management and accessibility and reduce costs through the implementation of bar coding, chances are some of these questions will arise. Not to worry! We’ve got the answers you need to help make sense of symbologies, encoding, printing requirements, and much more. Read more... |
| The Black and White on Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer There are two thermal printing methods commonly used to print bar codes: direct thermal and thermal transfer. Each method uses a thermal printhead that applies heat to the surface being marked. Thermal transfer printing uses a heated ribbon to produce durable, long-lasting images on a wide variety of materials. No ribbon is used in direct thermal printing, which creates the image directly on the label material. Thermal transfer printers can accept a wider variety of materials and are usually used for permanent or long-lasting labeling applications. Direct thermal printers are usually used to produce shipping labels, picking/putaway labels, receipts, and other common print jobs. Need help with selecting a printer? No matter your need, you can rest assured that Zebra's rugged, flexible printers and innovative products will get the job done with the highest quality. |
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The association with partner Matthews International and other world leaders puts Matthews Australasia among the best in the world in coding and labelling and provides instant access to a global network of product support.
Matthews is the first (and only) company in Australia to offer Label Printer Applicators for RFID labels.
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| TECH TIP: Preventative Maintenance Scheduling | Jump to: FOX IV to Exhibit Show Special Extended on 2010 BASIC Mini
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Basic Preventative Maintenance (PM) is a proven critical part of the overall performance and reliability of Label Printer Applicators as well as tabletop thermal and thermal transfer printing equipment. A PM program should be part of the daily, weekly, and quarterly scheduling in a plant's Maintenance Department. It is recommended that the quarterly PM be performed by the original equipment manufacturer or trained certified service provider. The daily and weekly maintenance can be performed by the plant's production and maintenance personnel. The following chart is a basic guideline for PM scheduling.
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| FOX IV to Exhibit at NA2010 Material Handling Show | FOX IV Technologies
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Once again this year, FOX IV Technologies, Inc. will showcase the present and future of Print & Apply at NA2010 in Cleveland. The show is set to run from April 26-29 at the IX Center. Please visit us in booth #1214. If you would like to attend NA2010 for free as a guest of FOX IV, please visit www.foxiv.com and submit a request form.
If you are not attending NA2010, please visit our website at www.foxiv.com or email sales@foxiv.com to request information on any of these innovations. |
Print & Apply | Labels & Supplies | Packing Slips | Site Map | About FOX IV If you would like to sign up to receive future email newsletters, please send an email with |
Please visit us at booth 1214.
At NA 2010, you will find solutions to make your supply chain work more productively and more profitably. NA is North America's premier material handling and logistics event with more than 500 exhibits and a comprehensive educational conference.
To attend NA 2010 as a guest of FOX IV Technologies, please click the logo above to register.
| Visit FOX IV Booth C645 at Pack Expo in Las Vegas | Jump to: Tech Tip: Show Special on New 2010 BASIC Mini |
Pack Expo week is finally upon us! Once again this year, FOX IV Technologies, Inc. will showcase the present and future of Print & Apply. Among the highlights:
Don't forget to drop in at BOOTH C645 if you are at the show! If you are not attending PACK EXPO 2009, please visit our website at www.foxiv.com or email sales@foxiv.com to request more information on any of these innovations. |
Print & Apply | Labels & Supplies | Packing Slips | Site Map | About FOX IV If you would like to sign up to receive future email newsletters, please send an email with |
slpa1000 Label Software Program
Scan, Lookup, Print and Apply Through One Turnkey Software Package - Even for RFID!
EXPORT, PA - FOX IV's slpa1000 software program combines carton identification, database lookup, label printing and automatic application in one easy to use package. Options include bar code validation, label and carton validation, and report generation.
The slpa1000 can communicate with commercial and proprietary WMS software packages. Ethernet and RS422/RS232 communication standards are available.
The slpa1000 software can be set up to work with all of FOX IV Technologies label printer applicators. Datamax, Zebra, Sato, Intermec, and Printronix data protocols are supported.
The slpa1000 software can also be configured for RFID identification systems for cartons and pallets. FOX IV Technologies RFID label printer applicators validate each RFID tag before printing. Unreadable tags are not applied to the carton but remain on the liner and rewound for future audits.
FOX IV Technologies, Inc., offers a full line of label printers and applicators, ribbons, labels, enclosures, printing supplies and services, material handling equipment and software solutions in order to provide fully integrated turnkey automated identification systems. The company integrates more than 25 OEM print modules and tabletop printers into rugged label printer applicators capable of operating 24/7 in all types of manufacturing environments. Known internationally for innovative designs and customized solutions, FOX IV is located approximately 20 miles east of Pittsburgh, PA. For more information on FOX IV Technologies, Inc. products and services go to www.foxiv.com.
Contact FOX IV Technologies, Inc.:
Shannon Gazze, Marketing Communications Manager
sgazze@foxiv.com | Toll Free: 1.877.436-2434 | Fax: 724-387-3516 | www.foxiv.com
Variable Weight Manifest Shipping System Streamlines Automated Shipping Process
EXPORT, PA - FOX IV's vwms1000 bundle is a complete variable weight shipping software package providing production scheduling, in-line scale interface, automatic printing and application of a carton shipping label and a matching pallet label, a track and trace database, and the generation of a shipping manifest.
Production requirements are downloaded to the vwms1000 system from the customer's ERP system. Operators have the ability to prioritize and edit the production schedule. Operator screens can be customized to facilitate training and eliminate errors.
The vwms1000 generates carton identification labels - including variable weights. The software also generates a unique pallet ID linked to all the cartons on the pallet.
The track and trace database includes weights, manufacturing date, batch identification, invoice number, and carton/pallet links.
Once the pallet labeling is complete, the vwms1000 system generates a pallet shipping manifest that contains the customer name, the customer order number, all of the case ID numbers with the corresponding weight, the total number of boxes and the net pallet weight.
The vwms1000 can be configured for a wide range of applications. Ethernet and serial communication standards are supported. Custom label formats can be designed for private label manufacturers. Zebra, Datamax, Printronix, Intermec, and Sato printer protocols are supported.
The vwms1000 can be expanded to control up to 20 production lines, provide additional management reports, collect data on production rates, generate Advanced Shipping Notices (ASN), alert operators to system and equipment malfunctions, and communicate with other marking devices.
FOX IV Technologies, Inc., offers a full line of label printers and applicators, ribbons, labels, enclosures, printing supplies and services, material handling equipment and software solutions in order to provide fully integrated turnkey automated identification systems. The company integrates more than 25 OEM print modules and tabletop printers into rugged label printer applicators capable of operating 24/7 in all types of manufacturing environments. Known internationally for innovative designs and customized solutions, FOX IV is located approximately 20 miles east of Pittsburgh, PA.
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Contact FOX IV Technologies, Inc.:
Shannon Gazze, Marketing Communications Manager
sgazze@foxiv.com | Toll Free: 1.877.436-2434 | Fax: 724-387-3516 | www.foxiv.com
The labels used in most label printers consist of a label sandwich with five parts:
> liner or carrier sheet
> liner release coating
> adhesive
> label material
> label topcoat
The ribbons consist of three parts:
> silicone
> carrier sheet
> wax, wax/resin or resin ink
Following is a list of some of the most common supply problems we save encountered in our twenty plus years of building and servicing label printer / applicators. When differences exist between thermal and thermal transfer a (TT) designates a thermal transfer issue, a (TH) designates a direct thermal issue.
1) Mismatch Of Supplies
Symptom: (TT): Poor print quality, ink smearing, poor ink adhesion to label creating voids.
Common causes: Wax based ribbons used on synthetic label stocks, resin based ribbons used on paper label stock, using labels not designed for thermal transfer printer,
Symptoms: (TH):(1) Poor print quality. (2) Premature Printhead Failure
Common causes: (1) Printhead heat setting is either too low or too high for the label. (2) Thermal label coating is too abrasive. Improper / inadequate printhead cleaning cycle (TT & TH).
2) Die Strikes
Symptom: The labels are difficult to peel or not consistently peeling from the backing.
Common causes: Label converter using incorrect tools for label material construction. The result can either be a die strike that is too deep or not deep enough. A deep die strike breaks through the liner surface thereby exposing the paper interior to the adhesive. The adhesive then grips the liner making stripping difficult. To test for this, use a black felt tipped marker to outline the die cutting area, if a solid black line appears along the die cut, the die strikes are too deep. A shallow die strike does not properly cut through the adhesive leaving adhesive 'legs' that hold on to the label stock.
3) Incorrect Release Specification
Symptoms: (1) Labels lift up or drop off as the label web is pulled through the machine. (2) Labels difficult or impossible to peel.
Common causes: (1) During the label construction, the adhesive coater can adjust the amount of release agent on the liner that will effect the amount of tension required to release a label from the liner. If the labels are lifting as they travel through the equipment, one cause can be that the release was set too low during label construction. (2) In the case where the labels are difficult to peel, the release was set too high.
4) Core Diameter
Symptom: This problem is most common is those applications where a label five inches or longer is being used. Those labels near the end of the label roll have a permanent curl that will make it difficult for the vacuum system to hold the label in place on the applicator pad.
Common cause: The label roll ID is too small, normally a 3" core is being used. We recommend that any label five inches or longer use a 5" ID label core.
5) Label Winding
Symptom: (1) Label sticking as the labels are unwound from the roll. Adhesive buildup on equipment rollers. (2) The label rolls are difficult to pick up and mount because the center core falls out or telescopes.
Common causes: (1) In the first case, the sticking during unwind is the result of the adhesive oozing from under the label as the result of the labels wound too tight. (2) Labels wound too loose causes the second symptom of the cores falling out. Specifying and monitoring the correct wind is more an art than a science and relies on the experience and expertise of the label supplier.
6) Label Length Varies
Symptom: In those applications where the label must fit within a tight space, the label will randomly be to large or too small - on the same roll.
The label printer will periodically and randomly lock up and give a label length error.
Common cause: The improper web tension was used by the label convertor during the die cutting operation.
7) Label Liner Stiffness
Symptoms: (1) The label is difficult to peel. (2) The liner breaks.
Common causes: (1) The liner is too thick for the label printer/applicator peel bar thereby providing insufficient release tension for the label. (2) Conversely, the liner is too thin and will break away from the label web tension as it is pulled through the machine. This condition can be aggravated when there are die strikes on the liner.
8) Label Stiffness
Symptom: As the label is peeled from the backing, the label wrinkles or falls off the applicator pad.
Common cause: As the label is stripped from the backing, a minimum label stiffness is needed to move the label out under the applicator pad. Labels lacking sufficient stiffness tend to curl and fall off the pad.
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| TECH TIP: Troubleshooting Ribbon Wrinkle Problems | Jump to: New Release: Pack and Ship with TwinPrint System |
The first steps in finding and correcting a ribbon wrinkle problem are to identify if a ribbon wrinkle is the cause of your printing malfunction and, if so, to find where the wrinkle problem is located. Specific symptoms you can look for include:
Once the ribbon wrinkle problem has been identified, follow the steps below to correct the problem.
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| 2010 Print & Apply Features Flexible M-Class Printer |
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Just in time for your belt tightening in the shipping department, the new FOX IV 2010 Standard and 2010 Mini label printer applicators offer the latest in Datamax print technology at a price that will compete with every other barcode and label application on the board. The full-sized 2010 Standard is an industrial workhorse complete with FOX IV's standard 16-inch OD label roll - almost twice as much media capacity as a 12-inch label roll. The 2010 Standard features precise Uniwall design, silk-screened media paths, a rotatable user interface, swing-away cylinder assembly, dynamic tension control and a positive-pressure cabinet. The Datamax M-Class printer is available in direct-thermal and thermal-transfer and features a 4.25" print width at 203 dpi. It includes a USB port, Flash Memory slot and Windows driver and offers plentiful options such as wired or wireless Ethernet connectivity, expanded Flash Memory and UHF/HF RFID. As part of FOX IV's "Intelligence Built-In" line of Smart Machines, the 2010 systems support a wide variety of barcode formats, fonts and graphic formats. They arrive loaded with 10 alphanumeric fonts with the option to download many more. All fonts are expandable vertically and horizontally up to 24x. Datamax users considering an upgrade to an automated application, the 2010 will save you time and money in the changeover process. All FOX IV printer applicators are designed to operate 24/7 in the most rugged industrial environments. For more information on Datamax-based Print & Apply systems, visit http://www.foxiv.com/index.cfm?page=datamax. |
Print & Apply | Labels & Supplies | Packing Slips | Site Map | About FOX IV If you would like to sign up to receive future email newsletters, please send an email with |
EXPORT, PA - October 2008 - There is no need for a PC on the line with the "Intelligence Built In" series of label printer applicators from automated label solutions provider FOX IV Technologies, Inc. The 3010 and 3610 Smart Machines are fully programmable automated label printer applicators based on the new Datamax H-Class printer. They feature USB host ports, Flash Memory slots and Windows drivers and support a wide variety of bar code formats, fonts and graphic formats. Scan, look up, print and apply; retain label formats when the machine powers down; maintain control of peripheral devices and utilize logic programming ... all without a PC on the line.
Like all the label printer applicators in FOX IV's Uniwall Series, 3010 and 3610 Smart Machines come standard with a 16-inch OD label roll and a rugged unwind/rewind system that is gentle on the label webbing. The 16-inch standard OD roll provides 75% more label capacity than the industry standard 12-inch OD roll. The 3010 Smart Machine also comes in a Mini size that reduces the footprint of the label printer applicator as well as capital investment while still providing the performance of a Datamax H-Class printer backed by FOX IV's reputation for rugged and dependable equipment.
Other features and benefits of FOX IV's Uniwall Series include a unique Uniwall design that ensures perfect perpendicular alignment of the media rollers and print-head assembly; silk-screened media paths to reduce downtime due to change-over errors and incorrect loading of media; a rotatable user interface with intuitive displays for easy viewing and fast menu-hopping; a swing-away cylinder assembly that allows easy access to the print-head area; dynamic tension control to reduce web breakage by keeping a constant, even tension on the label backing during application; and positive-pressure cabinets to keep debris and fluids away from sensitive elements and prevent overheating.
FOX IV Technologies, Inc., offers a full line of label printers and applicators, ribbons, labels, enclosures, printing supplies and services, material handling equipment and software solutions in order to provide fully integrated turnkey automated identification systems. The company integrates more than 25 OEM print modules and tabletop printers into rugged label printer applicators capable of operating 24/7 in all types of manufacturing environments. Known internationally for innovative designs and customized solutions, FOX IV is located approximately 20 miles east of Pittsburgh, PA.
VISIT PRODUCT PAGE: Datamax Print & Apply Systems (Based on H-Class Printer)
Contact FOX IV Technologies, Inc.:
Shannon Gazze, Marketing Communications Manager
sgazze@foxiv.com | Toll Free: 1.877.436-2434 | Fax: 724-387-3516 | www.foxiv.com
The FOX IV solution was to provide a complete turnkey system. First the system required a custom applicator arm mounted on a standard FOX IV label printer applicator to address the label placement issue. FOX IV designed a custom label that could withstand the rigors of a steel-manufacturing environment and, despite the size necessary to fit on a ½ inch band, be printed with the bar code data. In order to solve the problem of the coil size differences, two automatic sensing systems were installed; one sensor determined the width of the coil and one located the ½ inch steel strap. The compatibility issue was handled with a software interface package. Also provided was a Windows-based computer. Finally two FOX IV stainless steel environmental enclosures were installed to protect the hardware from the rigors of the harsh environment.
]]>FOX IV provided a turnkey system to automate the shipping label and packing slip process. Each system consists of integrated printing station, a FOXNet network, database and production management software.
The integrated printing station consists of a PC and software in an environmental enclosure, a label printer applicator, a laser printer with a paper feeding mechanism, and a bar code scanner. FOXNet is connected to the customers proprietary warehouse management system. FOXNet can control up to 25 integrated printing stations. A batch of orders is sent hourly from the customers warehouse management system. Each packet of data contains the packing slip information, the shipping information, a shipping priority code, and the conveyor location for each order that was to be processed.
The FOX IV software automatically sends the packing slip information and the shipping information to the appropriate printing station and prioritizes the production sequence based on the customer's requirements. A packing slip can range from one to three 8.5in X 11in pages. Based on the information supplied by the customer's WMS, the correct number of packing slip pages are printed and automatically inserted inside the shipping carton. The matching shipping label is printed and automatically applied on the outside of the carton. FOX IV's software guarantees that the packing slip and shipping label are to the same customer. The bar code scanner checks for scannable bar code on the shipping label. FOX IV's software keeps track of shipments, monitors transmission and database errors and automatically sends a report to the WMS.
FOX IV also provides (via the Internet) remote monitoring and technical support of the system for the east coast and west coast operation.
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