Most of FOX IV's label printer applicators are "next off" designs. The label is printed, immediately peeled from the liner, and held in place with a vacuum on the label pad. There is no printed label queue between the printer and the label pad.
We have two basic designs:
1) The industry standard design using Sato, Zebra, Datamax, and Avery Dennison OEM print and apply modules.
2) The FOX IV UNIWALL printer applicator design that uses Intermec, Datamax, Zebra, and Printronix tabletop printers.
The industry standard design incorporates an OEM printer module from companies like Datamax, Zebra, and Sato that are simply inserted into an opening in the printer applicator centerwall. The OEM printer module is a complete assembly consisting of the printer CPU board and power supply, drive rollers and drive motors for label and ribbon control, and a print head assembly all enclosed and mounted on a small centerwall. Most OEM printer modules utilize the same 8-7/8" X 10-5/8" opening.
The UNIWALL design is FOX IV's unique way of incorporating "non-traditional" printers into next-off label printer applicators. By non-traditional printers we mean industrial tabletop printers manufactured by companies like Zebra, Intermec, Datamax, and Printronix. The tabletop printers are disassembled and reassembled on a rugged centerwall.
There are four common reasons why customers select the UNIWALL design:
1) The tabletop printer has some unique features that are not available in an OEM print and apply module.
2) The customer, normally a pharmaceutical firm, has already validated a tabletop printer and does not want to go through another validation process for a printer applicator.
3) The customer has standardized on a tabletop printer model and wants to use the same printer in the print and apply. This simplifies parts inventory and training.
4) The maintenance department wants easy access to repair the label printer applicator on line. OEM print and apply modules must be removed from the equipment in order to conduct most repairs.
For more information on FOX IV printer applicators - please visit FOX IV's FAQ.