Event coordinators around the world have it made for the month of October. Between Oktoberfest events (cheers to you, Reading Leiderkranz – the best in all the US lands), Fall Festivals, our own local Yorktoberfest and all the pumpkin spice someone can take it is a busy time of year for everyone, including breweries.
Central PA’s local micro-breweries have been popping up left and right to add to the already hoppy landscape with big-time brewers like Yuengling, Tröegs, and Victory. It’s exciting to witness and gives us the opportunity to demonstrate our complete line of package conversion to marking and coding equipment and inks with local service and support. Whether it is a small date code or printing-on-demand we have options that can fit in-line with operating packaging lines or hand-held devices for on-the-go shops. Here are some of our favorite options available now for all customers utilizing marking and coding technologies:
Digital Design’s EV4
One of our most cost-effective and popular options is the Evolution 1 and Digital Design is now upping their game with the release of the EV4. The EV2 and 3 both brought some great features for the right candidate but the EV4 is truly making waves. The new printhead allows for up to 1” of fully formed print including barcodes and graphics – something that could only happen by stitching multiple printheads together in the past. Control the 110 foot per minute print with the 4.3” color touchscreen controller for applications including date code, barcodes, logos, and more. Ask us about demoing this unit!
Matthew’s Marking eSolarMark Fiber Laser Coding System
This system was designed to provide high quality, permanent marks onto aluminum cans for the craft brew industry (and beverage industry as a whole). Breweries, much like food manufacturers, are looking for ways to eliminate ink chemicals, reduce mess, improve mark appearance, and reduce the cost per mark. With vector-quality marking and the elimination of solvent and ink consumables into the waste stream the eSolarMark Fiber Laser Coding System etches the surface of the substrate to deliver your message.
Digital Design’s Evolution Handheld
We understand not everyone has an in-line conveyor system, that’s where Digital Design’s Evolution Handheld really comes in handy. While working with Digital Design’s other leading printhead models, this hand-held is perfect for the company that needs flexibility in movement without compromising the quality of marking. The EVHH is perfect for the company not running conveyor systems but still needs reliable coding. A few great example applications include customers using large gaylords, building supply manufacturers, oversized cumbersome skids, super sacks, security codes on wrapped pallets, and customers looking to replace hand stenciling.
Matthew’s Marking MPERIA Controller
This is the controller that every operation needs that has multiple packaging lines with multiple coding configurations set up. The MPERIA manages multiple print technologies including high resolution piezo ink jet, high resolution thermal ink jet, laser and drop on demand valve ink jet – all from a single interface. One thing we see a lot of in the industry is companies that have added on different technologies throughout the years which can be really time consuming to maintain. Matthews recognized that as well and made this controller to bridge the gap. Not only can you link Matthew’s software together into one controller but the MPERIA amps up your control by allowing you to hook into other competitor software systems as well. That means you no longer have to go to each and every station to reset codes – now do it wirelessly and with much more ease and speed.
The above is a run-down of some of the most common and convenient options we see our customers needing. Each pack line is different and we understand that, that’s why we know meeting with you and seeing your operation first hand can help us recommend the best product for your immediate needs and future goals. Many of our systems are as easy as plug-and-play and we stock several options on our floor for immediate delivery. Give us a call or contact your Sales Representative today for more information!
Using strapping in your packaging line can help reinforce packages in different ways. In today’s post we are going to outline the most common uses, benefits, and drawbacks of different strapping materials to help you determine the best packaging equipment services for you.
There are four different strapping mediums: steel, polyester (PET), polypropylene (polypro), and cording.
Steel Strapping
Steel strapping is the strongest of all the strapping materials. It is recommended where high strength is necessary, low elongation (stretch) is important, and where the product may be sharp or hot. Steel strapping is sealed using mechanical seals and notch (sealless) type joints. It is still the preferred alternative in many industries. Advantages – High strength, low elongation Disadvantages – Relatively expensive, sharp edges, difficult to recycle Applications – Sharp or hot products, steel, rail car, heavy construction
Polypropylene Strapping
Polypropylene strapping is the most commonly used and least expensive of all strapping materials. It is light, easy to apply, and easy to recycle. Its primary characteristics are high elongation (stretch) and elongation recovery. It has, however, a low retained tension. Polypropylene strapping is available in hand grade and machine grade, and can be sealed with buckles, seals, heat seals, or friction welds. Worth noting, machine grade strapping can be used with manual tools, but hand grade strapping should not be used in a machine application. Polypropylene is used in all automatic strapping machines and almost all stand-alone arch strapping machines. Advantages – Most cost effective, lightweight, easy to apply, easy to recycle, high elongation, high elongation recover Disadvantages – Low retained tension, potential to split Applications – Light duty palletizing, unitizing, carton closing, bundling
Polyester
Polyester (or PET) is the most rigid of the strapping options. It has significantly less elongation than polypropylene and retains tension over a longer period of time. Polyester strap is nick resistant and is sealed with seals, heat, or friction welds.
Since polyester strapping offers the highest strength and greatest retained tension of all the plastic strapping, it is often used on heavy duty loads that need high initial tension along with high retained tension during handling and storage. Additionally, competitive pricing and performance characteristics have motivated many steel strapping uses to switch to polyester. Polyester strapping is available in both machine grade and hand grade and is easy to dispose of and recycle. Advantages – Most rigid, long tension retention, high strength, nick resistant, easy to recycle Disadvantages – Less elongation than polypropylene Applications – Empty cans and bottles, lumber, heavy/rigid pallet loads, steel replacement
Cord Strapping
Cord strapping is available in both polyester and rayon, and comes in two basic forms – uniline and cross woven. Cord is used only in manual applications and is sealed using buckles, seals, or is tied. Polyester cord offers excellent resistance to moisture and is frequently used in outdoor applications. Heavy duty polyester cord is frequently replacing steel in lumber applications. Advantages – Can be manual applied with no tools, moisture resistant Disadvantages – Poor elongation, difficult to recycle Applications – Steel replacement, agricultural, boating
The chart below illustrates the advantages of each type of strapping and compares the relative performance of each. It also indicates what types of applications will work with that material. Definitions of these characteristics can be found below.
Is strapping the right product for you? Contact your sales representative for best options for your application and for more information regarding the machines tools, and industrial packaging services we have available.
If you have learned one thing in the packaging business thus far in your career it is probably that you can’t always go off of price. There are a lot of decisions that go into why one product works over the other and that innovative advances can’t always be seen by looking at the product. We understand this and know the same is true for purchasing equipment. So, how do you make your decision after you have compared basic features and prices? Here are five questions to ask your supplier that shouldn’t be overlooked during the packaging equipment services decision process:
How safe is this machine?
Equipment manufacturers have safety ratings and they are important to pay attention to. Has the manufacturer faced any lawsuits in regards to their machinery? It is your right to know how safe a piece of equipment is that is going into your building, and many manufacturers can provide white papers on safety tests.
What is the maintenance like on this machine?
Machines break – they do, they are machines. If anyone is telling you they don’t then it is time to walk away. Wear and tear is just another part of the process, but not all manufacturers are created equal when it comes to spare parts availability and cost. Similarly, not all warranties cover what you need covered. Do your packaging equipment services provide maintenance or do you need to pay for hotel stays on top of a service call? Your equipment is a big investment, and we want to make sure you are getting good use out of it for the life of the machine. As an industrial packaging supplier, we guarantee the brands we represent and are confident they are the best options in the market. Plus, our industrial packaging services cover what we sell. Our brands are built to last with regular care and maintenance – can the same be said for the brand you are considering?
What’s involved with training in regards to this machine?
Does your machine have easy-to-follow features or does it provide an option to “lock out” unwanted tinkering operators? How easy is it to train someone on the machine and how easy is it to make adjustments? Don’t under-estimate company morale when it comes to ease of use and frustration-free (or, limited frustration) equipment operation.
Are any other customers using this machine and how long have they had it?
If no other customers are using it or if they used it for only a short while then your next question should be, “Why?” It could be that you have a very particular and rare application, or it could be that the piece of machinery you are looking at isn’t the best option. Your supplier usually can’t name names but they should be able to tell you other applications they have dealt with that have used the piece of machinery you are considering.
Lastly, are there any hidden fees regarding installation, training, maintenance, or product use?
Don’t get stuck in a situation where the upfront costs seemed fantastic and then once the purchase is made other costs start seeping into other project budgets. As technology changes it isn’t uncommon for more equipment manufacturers to install RFID readers to only accept certain products for instance. Or, you don’t want to get stuck paying an exorbitant service bill because your supplier doesn’t have their own service technicians. Ask your supplier what your options are in these areas to guarantee you are making the best decision short-term and long-term.
Do you think these questions would be helpful during your equipment buying and vendor-managed inventory decisions? What other issues have you come across that changed your decision before purchase or you wish you would have known before you signed the dotted line? Tell Colony Packaging & Machine in the comments below.
Our equipment options run the gamut – from new options to used options we have the equipment our customers are looking to fit the budget they need.
Rentals and Lease-to-Own
We work with our customers on an individualized basis to offer rental programs that suit their needs. Sometimes buying new equipment for a short term project isn\’t in the budget, but we can help keep you efficient with a large array of commonly used equipment to get you going. Ready to buy but want to pay as you go? We offer lease-to-own options for qualified customers on our large variety of machines.
In-House Equipment Service
Our in-house Service Technicians are factory trained and work on the equipment we sell and equipment we don\’t. Our service capabilities include emergency repair services, planned maintenance programs, and a spare parts program. We also include installation and training in most of our equipment quotes to help get your equipment up and going quickly and effectively.
Trusted Vendor Relationships
The equipment manufacturers we represent have been hand-picked and evaluated by our team to guarantee quality, efficiency, and reliable support. Many of the vendors we work with are the top in their industry including 3M, Sealed Air, Ranpak, Shanklin, Combi, Strapack, Orion, Wexxar-Bel, BetterPack, and many others.
Proven Success
We guarantee our equipment because our customers see it working in their warehouses every single day. We can provide anonymous case studies that showcase cost savings and functionality.
Our equipment options run the gamut – from new options to used options we have the equipment our customers are looking to fit the budget they need.
We work with our customers on an individualized basis to offer rental programs that suit their needs. Sometimes buying new equipment for a short term project isn\’t in the budget, but we can help keep you efficient with a large array of commonly used equipment to get you going. Ready to buy but want to pay as you go? We offer lease-to-own options for qualified customers on our large variety of machines.
Our in-house Service Technicians are factory trained and work on the equipment we sell and equipment we don\’t. Our service capabilities include emergency repair services, planned maintenance programs, and a spare parts program. We also include installation and training in most of our equipment quotes to help get your equipment up and going quickly and effectively.
The equipment manufacturers we represent have been hand-picked and evaluated by our team to guarantee quality, efficiency, and reliable support. Many of the vendors we work with are the top in their industry including 3M, Sealed Air, Ranpak, Shanklin, Combi, Strapack, Orion, Wexxar-Bel, BetterPack, and many others.
We guarantee our equipment because our customers see it working in their warehouses every single day. We can provide anonymous case studies that showcase cost savings and functionality.
Amazon.com has already revolutionized the way companies and customers think about e-commerce sales. Now, similar to Walmart, they are making waves in regards to how companies and customers arethinking about packagingand bringing that conversation out of the warehouse and to the forefront of a customer’s mind.
Recently an article was published on howAmazon is suggesting packaging tips to its resellers to reduce packaging while still maintaining the integrity of the package while in transit. If top packaging suppliers follow their tips they are promised better promotion across the site – something any company can benefit from. The leading verbiage in Amazon’s effort – to eliminate “wrap rage,” but the spill-over effect is evident.
Amazon’s initiative matched with hot phrases like “thinking green” and being sustainably-minded make it a great time for your company to start getting on board no matter your means of commerce. That concept can seem tricky when you are in the business of shipping your products across the country or world, but when we break it down it’s easy for any company to feel like they are in better control of their green-paved future.
Review Your Current Packaging
Taking a nod from an earlier post regarding right-sizing your carton we always suggest reviewing your actual packaging and deciding if it is performing to your company and customer’s standards. Reducing the volume of material that goes into your packaging might mean a totally different packaging configuration. But, can it reduce shipping costs? Can it reduce waste in the landfill? Can it improve damage rates or maintain low ones? Think responsible minimalism meets practicality.
List Your Packaging Goals
What are your company’s objectives when it comes to reducing overall costs or material usage in the next five years? Have you listed goals concerning packaging material, vendor-managed inventory, custom warehousing, how you get your packaging, and how you package up what you ship? Additionally, have you asked yourself what ROI you are looking for when it comes to considering a change in the packaging line to reduce labor hours?
Example: Check out this suspension packaging (A) from Sealed Air – their Korrvu line can reduce void fill use while maintaining or even increasing packaging protection performance. Notably Ranpak (B) offers fully recyclable options with its virgin kraft paper cushioning systems, and Paragon now offers thinner, stronger stretch film (C) – reducing material usage which lowers a company’s waste output.
Re-evaluating your packaging line for energy efficiency and material use.
Sometimes when our industrial packaging company talks to customers, they get stuck on only looking at reducing or changing up their commodity items – like tape or stretch film. But in reality a big part of reducing material waste and cost is by investing in better-running equipment (like a cold seal packaging machine) or maintaining the equipment already on the floor. For example, we often come across equipment that hasn’t been serviced for years. This lack of service leaves equipment running poorly and reducing efficiency which in turn leads to wasted materials and money wasted.
Example: Stretcher bars on stretch wrappers when not serviced can start tearing film and inefficiently delivering film to the pallet – wasting time on re-wrapping a pallet which in turn also leads to wasted material.
Understand where your materials are coming from.
Working with vendors that are close-by helps decrease fuel emissions when considering how far that material had to go to get to you. The less your product had to travel means a decrease in your company’s carbon footprint. Similarly, if you have space to order in larger quantities that can also help reduce fuel emissions by reducing the amount of trips it takes to get material on your floor.
What packaging-minded tips do you have when it comes to reducing your company’s carbon footprint while increasing efficiency? Our industrial packaging supplies company at Colony wants to hear about them – leave a comment below to share your thoughts.
A couple of years ago, UPS made the announcement they would be switching over to using DIM weight while considering the billable weight for shipping rates and other shipping carriers followed suit. This change had a delayed impact on a lot of companies as they had or were in the process of negotiating shipping terms for set periods of time. But, many of those contracts are now expiring and more and more companies are asking us: How does Colony Packaging & Machine get our shipping rates down?
[pullquote]“Billable Rate: Billable weight is the weight used to calculate the shipping rate. For domestic and international services, the billable weight will be the greater of the dimensional weight compared to the actual weight.”[/pullquote]
There are a few ways we go about looking at lowering shipping rates while guaranteeing the integrity of the package.
Find out how prevalent the problem is.
Many times we find there are at least three people involved in determining if shipping charges have gone up and whether or not their bottom line is being negatively impacted:
The person creating the shipping label and seeing the price – this could also be the person negotiating with the shipping company on shipping terms.
The person sourcing the packaging materials and creating the least amount of inventoried items on the floor.
The person paying the shipping bills each month. This person could be noticing the charges creeping up.
Getting in contact with each of these people can help a company save on shipping.
Right-size your shipping carton.
If you’ve determined your shipping charges have indeed gone up and/or you noticed many times there are items shipping in over-sized boxes it is time to right-size your package. Categorize your items by what type of box they ship in first – single wall or double wall – and then by size. If there are items that are close in shape and size that can use the same box then do that, but if you have a large array of products then it might be time to up your box inventory. For some customers, having multiple sized cartons on their floor can sound cumbersome, but saving an extra 10-20% in shipping costs makes it worth it. This is even truer when carton minimums are as low as 10 or 25 boxes when shopping with Colony.
How’s your cushioning?
Our rule of thumb for our customers is to create no less than a 2” barrier of padding around a breakable object (or more depending on the weight). But, depending on your cushioning preference there might be room to reduce the weight or overall size of the package. For instance, clothing has often come in boxes, but many customers have realized that bagging clothing has reduced shipping costs dramatically – we offer individual bags and even bagging systems for customers. Likewise, books and other flat – non-breakable items might ship more cost-effectively in a five-panel folder or a mailer. Exploring alternative cushioning and/or the actual packaging the product is going in can make a big difference.
These were three easy ways you can help your company save on the backend of your business. Again – determine if rates have gone up or if changing up your box inventory can positively impact your shipping rates, right-size with proper box sizes so small objects aren’t being shipped in oversized containers, and last make sure your cushioning preference is matching your packaging needs.
Our sales professionals have the expertise to help you maximize your savings when it comes to finding the best packaging equipment services and vendor-managed inventory for your products. Fill out the form for more information!
Colony is excited to announce Ryan Wentz as a new member of the sales force team. Ryan came to Colony recently after six years as a Territory Manager for Ranpak – one of Colony’s leading vendors in void fill solutions.
The transition from Ranpak to Colony was an easy one for Ryan. “I had always been welcome with access to employees and the warehouse. It already felt like a family,” he said.
Ryan is most excited about being able to continue to help customers problem solve. He says, “It’s about going in and meeting someone, finding the pain vein, and working together to solve problems.”
Ryan grew up in Abbottstown and is a New Oxford alum. He currently spends his free time enjoying the outdoors either running, biking, or kayaking with his wife and two children. When he isn’t on the trails you can find him coaching wrestling, baseball, or flag football for youth programs in Central York.
One of the biggest “verbiage” misuses we see as an industrial packaging company has to be shrink film vs stretch film and everything in between like plastic wrap, cling wrap, or the like. If you get these terms confused also you are not alone. Let’s unpack it!
It’s true that both shrink and stretch films are designed to unitize products onto pallets and both are generally made from polyethylene resins. Another truth, shrink films are produced on blown film lines and stretch films can be produced on either blown or cast film lines. Outside of those similarities, the two packaging systems don’t have a lot of other common characteristics.
1. Material Make-Up
Shrink films contain a high percentage of low density polyethylene (LDPE), which is the same type of resin used to make bread bags and newspaper overwrap sleeves. When fabricated under very specific parameters, LDPE gives shrink film its “shrink” properties. The stress or tension required to make the film contract is frozen in during the fabrication process.
In contrast, most stretch films contain high levels of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and, depending on the end-use application, can stretch from 25 to 300%.
Bottom line: Both films are made out of different forms of plastic, but the characteristics of that plastic make them very different items. Once stretch film is stretched, it relaxes back to give your palletized load a very tight “plastic” wrap effect whereas shrink film doesn’t do any good until you put some heat to it to “shrink” it to the product.
2. How it is Applied
To activate shrink film, a heat source is required such as a heat tunnel, heat gun, or torch. When sufficient heat is applied to the film, it approaches its melting point and the film begins to draw up or “shrink”.
Because the film can only shrink so far, each product to be wrapped has to be matched with a specific film thickness, size, and configuration of film – that is where product application testing comes into play.
Shrink film is applied like a bag or blanket over the object then either passes through a heat tunnel or an operator uses a heat gun to shrink the film to the product. In this example these bottles would have gone through a tunnel system.
Stretch films are either designed to be applied by hand or by machine. Hand films usually have minimal stretch (25-100%) in order to aid the operator in applying the product and are in many ways similar to a large roll of very thin tape or what households might refer to as cling wrap. Machine films on the other hand can have very high stretch levels (150 -350%) and they are applied by automated stretch wrapping equipment.
When stretch film is applied to a skid of material, the operator or machine will help stretch the film before wrapping – the film then relaxes back on itself, creating a strong load containment.
Bottom Line: Only stretch film can be applied by hand and shrink film – in any instance – must use some form of heat to activate its packaging properties.
Learn about the case sealer selector tool as another alternative.
3. Load Containment
As shrink film resins go, LDPE does not always have good puncture or tear resistance and has a relatively low load holding force for very heavy palletized loads. In order to provide sufficient load containment and protection for the load, these films are generally several times thicker than most stretch films at face-value. But, that doesn’t mean shrink options should be overlooked quite yet.
Machine stretch films can be configured to exert very high levels of tension on a load if desired, increasing load containment and puncture resistance on otherwise very difficult loads to wrap.
Think of it this way, a company might shrink wrap a pack of soda bottles together, but then once those packs are stacked onto a skid about 10 packs high they might stretch wrap them altogether to secure the load during transit.
Bottom Line: Stretch wrap is usually employed to hold loads and products together on a pallet for transportation or storage purposes. Shrink wrap generally protects single products from dust or weather or can help bundle products together like commonly seen with bottles of water or packs of vegetables. Both films have great value for the right application because they do very different things.
4. Common Applications
Shrink films are good for applications where the object requires five or six-sided protection (top and/or bottom and four sides) or is very large. As mentioned very common items that are shrink wrapped include vegetables, bottled beverage packs, very large items like boats, planes, and industrial equipment – especially if being stored outside for long periods of time.
Stretch film is commonly used when products are being secured to a skid. This can be anything from stacked bricks for landscapers to stacked boxes being shipped to a local retail store.
So, besides stretch film and shrink film having different cosmetic characteristics, you now know that shrink film is generally used to protect a product and stretch film is generally used to secure a product to a skid.
Still have questions on which film would work best for your application? Leave us a comment or shoot us a message so our industrial packaging supplies company can discuss recommendations based on your packaging line.
Stretch Wrap Equipment
Stretch wrapping equipment comes in a variety of configurations. We can match you with the right piece of equipment by answering a few questions, or you can browse some of our options by following the links below:
Turntables – Semi Automatic: Requires an operator to bring the pallet load to the turntable and start the machine.
Turntables – Automatic: The operator will bring the pallet load to a conveyor system which then uses photo-eyes to sense the pallet and move it through the wrapping process.
Rotary Arm – Semi Automatic: The operator will take the pallet load to a designated floor area where the rotary arm wraps the pallet. The film carriage moves around the pallet whereas with a turntable, the carriage stays in one place as the pallet rotates.
Rotary Arm – Automatic: Similar to the semi-automatic models except like the automatic turntables an operator will set the pallet on a conveyor system and a photoeye will move the pallet into position to be wrapped by a rotary arm.
Horizontal Wrappers – Semi-Automatic: These are great for long, odd shaped products like 4×4 wood pieces or tires and wraps the products as an operator feeds them through.
Robotic Stretch Wrappers: These machines are positioned by an operator in a loading area and left to wrap the pallet load while the operator can position the next pallet. This is a great option for those that cannot dedicate a single area to a stationary stretch wrapper or need stretch wrapping capabilities throughout a warehouse depending on the job being done.
Stretch Wrap Products
We carry a large variety of stretch film. View an assortment of our options here.
Shrink Equipment
Shrink wrap equipment comes in a variety of configurations just like stretch wrap equipment. L-bar sealers and heat tunnels go hand in hand while other machines can do the whole process automatically. We always welcome questions and recommendation requests – just give us a call and/or browse our options here. Included in our listings are l-bar sealers, heat tunnels, bundling machines, form-and-seal, and sleeve wrappers/bundlers.
Shrink Film
We do not list shrink film on our website as each application requires a look at not only the machine being used but also the products being wrapped. We keep a variety films in stock and ready to deliver. Please contact us so we can discuss options available.
Stretch wrapping equipment comes in a variety of configurations. We can match you with the right piece of equipment by answering a few questions, or you can browse some of our options by following the links below:
Turntables – Semi Automatic: Requires an operator to bring the pallet load to the turntable and start the machine.
Turntables – Automatic: The operator will bring the pallet load to a conveyor system which then uses photo-eyes to sense the pallet and move it through the wrapping process.
Rotary Arm – Semi Automatic: The operator will take the pallet load to a designated floor area where the rotary arm wraps the pallet. The film carriage moves around the pallet whereas with a turntable, the carriage stays in one place as the pallet rotates.
Rotary Arm – Automatic: Similar to the semi-automatic models except like the automatic turntables an operator will set the pallet on a conveyor system and a photoeye will move the pallet into position to be wrapped by a rotary arm.
Horizontal Wrappers – Semi-Automatic: These are great for long, odd shaped products like 4×4 wood pieces or tires and wraps the products as an operator feeds them through.
Robotic Stretch Wrappers: These machines are positioned by an operator in a loading area and left to wrap the pallet load while the operator can position the next pallet. This is a great option for those that cannot dedicate a single area to a stationary stretch wrapper or need stretch wrapping capabilities throughout a warehouse depending on the job being done.
We carry a large variety of stretch film. View an assortment of our options here.
Shrink wrap equipment comes in a variety of configurations just like stretch wrap equipment. L-bar sealers and heat tunnels go hand in hand while other machines can do the whole process automatically. We always welcome questions and recommendation requests – just give us a call and/or browse our options here. Included in our listings are l-bar sealers, heat tunnels, bundling machines, form-and-seal, and sleeve wrappers/bundlers.
We do not list shrink film on our website as each application requires a look at not only the machine being used but also the products being wrapped. We keep a variety films in stock and ready to deliver. Please contact us so we can discuss options available.
Welcome to our new packaging blog! We’ve been in the business for over 50 years and we know keeping up with what’s going on in product development and industry news can be a bit daunting when you have a business to run. This blog will act as a user-friendly guide to product information and equipment within the industrial packaging industry. We’ll update you with industry news, product guides, dos and don’ts when searching for what you need, and more. Have a product question or suggestion for a blog post? Contact us and tell us what you want to see!
One of our most cost-effective and popular options is the Evolution 1 and Digital Design is now upping their game with the release of the EV4. The EV2 and 3 both brought some great features for the right candidate but the EV4 is truly making waves. The new printhead allows for up to 1” of fully formed print including barcodes and graphics – something that could only happen by stitching multiple printheads together in the past. Control the 110 foot per minute print with the 4.3” color touchscreen controller for applications including date code, barcodes, logos, and more. Ask us about demoing this unit!
This system was designed to provide high quality, permanent marks onto aluminum cans for the craft brew industry (and beverage industry as a whole). Breweries, much like food manufacturers, are looking for ways to eliminate ink chemicals, reduce mess, improve mark appearance, and reduce the cost per mark. With vector-quality marking and the elimination of solvent and ink consumables into the waste stream the eSolarMark Fiber Laser Coding System etches the surface of the substrate to deliver your message.
We understand not everyone has an in-line conveyor system, that’s where Digital Design’s Evolution Handheld really comes in handy. While working with Digital Design’s other leading printhead models, this hand-held is perfect for the company that needs flexibility in movement without compromising the quality of marking. The EVHH is perfect for the company not running conveyor systems but still needs reliable coding. A few great example applications include customers using large gaylords, building supply manufacturers, oversized cumbersome skids, super sacks, security codes on wrapped pallets, and customers looking to replace hand stenciling.
