FAQ's Print & Apply AEvo

What is the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer printing?

Direct thermal printers use a thermal print head that applies heat to a chemically treated paper, which then turns dark as a result of the heat. The tag or label will fade with age and, if exposed to heat or strong sunlight, will turn black.

Thermal transfer printers use the same thermal print heads, but apply the heat to a ribbon which transfers the image to a label. This more refined technology offers more choices of label stock available.

What is the maximum size AEvo can print?

54 mm x 50 mm.

What is the minimum size AEvo can print?

The smallest possible print depends on the type and amount of information. A ECC200 2-element data matrix of up to 8 numbers code has been successfully printed with 300 dpi onto a 3 mm x 3 mm label with enough quiet zone around its periphery. Please let us know your requirements and we will evaluate your printing project.

What colors can AEvo print?

All colors of ribbons that are commercially available, but only one color can be printed.

With what printer software does the system work?

We support all labeling software that print in Windows (our driver is Windows based).

Can my label width be the same as my liner width?

Our patented process applies some clamp force onto the edges of the liner. Ideally your liner should have 2.5 mm of each side of the label available to allow clamping. We can clamp through the component, however this will reduce the print quality in the clamped area and is only recommended when no print is needed in the clamp area.

What can I print?

You can print any rasterized image (bmp, doc, etc.), This allows you to print text/numbers, logos, barcodes, 2D-barcodes, etc.

How fast can I print?

Typical cycle time for print, peel and place is 2.5 sec. per label, but the cycle time is always component dependent and is influenced by the following factors:

Type of information printed
Amount of data to be printed
Size of print and size of label
Zero-queue printing yes or no
Verification yes or no

What print head does AEvo use?

300 dpi and 600 dpi thermal print head.

How can I verify my printing?

Space is provided for customers to integrate a barcode scanner in the machine. AccuPlace can recommend a suitable scanner, however it is up to the customer to read the scanner and verify against their print data.

What is the life time of the print head?

1.0x108 pixel cycles. What does this mean? For a 300 dpi print head, the life time is 333,333” of print length.

Can I print in clean room?

Printing in clean room requires the correct choice of label stock, ribbon, as well as the cores. There are polyester labels and resin ribbons which have plastic core available that meet clean room criteria. The thermal transfer material itself does not create any residue.

Can I print only with zero-queue, or could I also print with queue?

You can choose to print either zero-queue or with queue.

If I print with queue and my line goes down, will the queue be cleared of labels once the line is up and running again? (Important e.g. when date/time is printed on label)

A separate input flushing the queue can be included before starting to place labels again

Does the print register clear every time?

A software feature preventing the machine cycle from starting without new print data can be selected.

What ribbon should I use?

Commercially available thermal transfer ribbons. What kind of ribbon should be used depends on your application. There are basically three different types of ribbons:
Wax ribbons are the most economic choice and suitable for general purpose labeling on mostly paper stock.
Wax-Resin ribbons are used when the labeling is required to be scratch and smear and/or mild chemical resistant; and print well on coated paper stock as well as on some low films and polyester labels stock.
Resin ribbons are used for applications in harsh environments, for pharmaceutical, medical, and automotive applications; and they are compatible with polyester and polyimide label stock.
Core: For cleaner applications the ribbon has to be on a plastic core, for non-sensitive applications a cardboard core can be used.

What is the specification of the ribbon needed?

Wound-Out thermal transfer ribbon on 1” core.
Width: Supplier and application dependent. Maximum width is 60 mm. Smaller width can be used for smaller labels in order to achieve optimum media consumption. Minimum ribbon width = 20 mm.
The ribbon acts as a buffer between the substrate and the print head, extending the print head life. For this reason, the ribbon should always be wider than the width of the tag.
Length: Depending on the ribbon thickness, the maximum OD of the ribbon is 2.75” / 70 mm (roughly 450 m).

How long does the ribbon last?

Depends on image size: ribbon length / image length plus a minimum feed per print.

Can we buy the ribbon from AccuPlace?

No, AccuPlace does not sell the consumables such as ribbons or label stock. We do work with several suppliers and are happy to assist our customers in choosing the best suitable material. If you talk to your ribbon supplier, give them the specifications mentioned above as well as the information on what label stock you use.