Automated Print & Apply: Choosing The Right Print Engine

By Robert Lanzendorf OEM Sales & Marketing Manager

Selecting an automated print and apply system can be a daunting task, especially when it’s a company’s first foray into automated labeling. One of the key components of a print and apply system is the print engine itself. As the name implies, the print engine is the component that performs the printing function. However, it also does much more. The print engine also receives and processes the data, pulls the labels off the main label roll, senses the label length, peels the label from the liner and feeds the label to the application device. The print engine is a complex piece of machinery in itself and selection of the print engine brand and model should not be taken lightly. There are numerous specifications to consider, such as print speed, thermal transfer vs. direct thermal printing and print resolution just to name a few. There are also other factors, often overlooked, that should be seriously considered during the print engine selection process.