Dover Markem-Imaje SmartDate X60 - Materials and Applications; Limitations

113 10056272-AA
 Materials and Applications
Interlace mode is designed for applications where a small reduction in perceived quality
(reduced contrast) is acceptable so the customer may benefit from halved running
costs and increased uptime. Primarily these applications are for simple Date & Lot
type overprinting applications. Interlace mode is not designed for bar-codes, graphics
etc. The unique print achieved with Interlace Mode is however, ideal for applications
which require a small amount of anti-counterfeit security, such as unique numbers for
competitions.
The material type should always be tested, however testing has proven SmartDate X60
interlace mode to work well on various materials including: Polypropylene, Polythene,
Premium labels and Laminated films. Typically, surfaces such as poorly calendared
(rough / porous) paper and card which give poor results with standard Thermal Transfer
Overprinting are not suitable for Interlace Mode.
Interlace Mode will only operate reliably with Markem-Imaje approved grades of
Thermal Ribbon.
 Limitations
The use of interlace mode has major cost and uptime benefits, however, there are
limitations of this feature which must be considered when qualifying an application.
- Ensure the materials are printed at the correct speeds, and that an acceptable “First”
and “Second” print can be achieved.
- Due to the lower density, Interlace mode should not be used to print critical barcodes
or automatically readable information.
- If the information to be printed changes between first and second prints (e.g. BBE
Date increments) then some sections of the second print may be solid (full density) print
rather than the chequered image. This will not decrease readability.
- It is not possible to achieve identical first and second prints. As the printer “warms
up”, depending upon running speed the balance will change slightly. Also, as described
above, the pattern will change first to second print giving a small difference.
- Due to the lower contrast achieved with interlace mode, it is not recommended to print
characters less than 2 mm high. Check the legend depending upon font style selected.
The BOLD font types will typically provide more consistent results in interlace mode.
Operation
for parts & service call QLC (800) 837-1309