Ribbon-Conserving Thermal-Transfer Bar Code Printer

Astro-Med, Inc.U, Less Ribbon Used" bar code printer employs a newly patented ribbon conservation system called RibbonRation that reduces the amount of thermal-transfer ribbon used by as much as 50%, depending on label design.

The LRU automatically creates a digital "map" of each label, storing in memory the exact location of color and printed areas. When it receives the print command, RibbonRation uses the stored information to control the feed of ink, transferring thermal-transfer ribbon to the print station. RibbonRation disengages the printhead when ink is not required and advances only the label over blank spaces or pre-printed areas of each label. The printhead is automatically and positively raised by a reliable air-actuated motor, and it is lowered back to the print position precisely when printing is called for. No operator intervention is required.

Designed for rigorous industrial applications, the LRU is a high-volume production printer offering fast 12-in. per second printing, rugged design, quick replacement of wear parts, 1000-meter ribbon capacity and 12-in. diameter label supply. With a 304 dpi printhead and patented "smoothing" algorithms, the LRU prints text, logos and bar codes with lithographic quality.

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