Wolke: Thermal ink-jet printer

Wolke by Videojet has developed a new printing technology specifically for track-and-trace applications, supporting the packaging line OEMs and integrators that supply turnkey hardware and software for mandated serialization projects.

The Wolke m600 OEM has a practical build and intelligent design. It features new, smaller physical dimensions, delivering a footprint up to 60% smaller than comparable TIJ control systems for secure integration of the controller directly inside the serialization electrical cabinet. With 18 possible mounting orientations and a choice of four distinct printhead designs optimized for integration into constrained track-and-trace packaging spaces, the m600 OEM becomes a natural part of the overall serialization solution. The option to connect up to six printheads, with any four running simultaneously, unlocks new possibilities for switching seamlessly between various marking locations without mechanical adjustments.

The m600 OEM offers complete backwards compatibility with the Wolke m600 advanced machine to allow use of the same communication protocols, printheads, accessories, and existing label layouts, while offering sophisticated new communication, logging, and data-handling capabilities. The m600 OEM also offers an enhanced data buffer capable of intelligently queuing and managing vast numbers of pharmaceutical records and Unicode font capabilities for seamless support of international projects. With multi-level password protection of remote connections, comprehensive activity logging, and no possibility for data or settings changes via the one-way controller display, the m600 OEM sets a new standard for process security and support of 21CFR Part 11 compliance.

A new feature called Perpetuo Print Mode™ provides users with the choice to either double the production runtime between cartridge changes or manage their ink replenishment without stopping the line. In addition, the company has introduced Dynamic Print Intensity™, which allows configuration of different dpi resolutions for barcodes and text within a single printhead, boosting ink efficiency and runtime between cartridge changes, particularly for complex pharmaceutical code formats.

Compatible with the latest Wolke cartridge technology, the m600 OEM enables manufacturers to reach previously unattainable print speeds and throughput, supported with ultra-fast handling of serialized data that exceeds 20 variable records/sec, even
of complex 2D Data Matrix formats.