(Click here for a larger view of Leibinger's Jet 3, with samples of the output it can produce)Leibinger's Jet 3 features a umbilical-mounted printhead, apparently intended to be incorporated into third-party production-line equipment, rather than being handheld. Targeting food and medications, soft drink cans, electronic components, and other applications, the device can print even on concave or convex surfaces, according to the company. Rated speed is up to 21 feet per second with 10 characters per inch, with a height of 0.03 to 0.63 inches.
Capable of printing all major barcodes and data matrix codes, the Jet 3 is designed to output information such as serial numbers, "best before" dates, and logos. The printer features ten individually programmable counters, with automatic adjustment of expiration dates and other numerical information, plus built-in database software with support for variable text, says Leibinger.
Leibinger's Jet 3 has a flip-up lid, allowing ink to be added during printingThe Jet 3 base unit offers hydraulic ink and solvent tanks that are said to hold up to 2.75 pints of liquid. A wide variety of inks is offered, including food-safe and alcohol-resistant inks, as well as those tolerating wide variations in temperature. Via available white or silver inks, the device can print clearly readable information on cables, Leibinger adds.
Leibinger says that when solvent-based inks are used, they dry to the touch within one second, even on glass, plastic, or metal. Despite this, the printer itself never suffers clogging or drying, even after a longterm shutdown, the company claims, thanks to an automatic sealing mechanism.
Running Windows CE on an undisclosed processor, the device has a 10.4-inch touchscreen display for creating and editing jobs, and comes with built-in font and graphics editing software. Alternatively, it may be controlled from a remote PC, according to Leibinger.
In addition to RS232 serial and Ethernet interfaces, the Jet 3 has a USB port, six digital inputs, and six digital outputs. It also has an SD slot, for storing print jobs and graphics, the company says.
Features and specifications listed by Leibinger for the Jet 3 include:
- Processor -- n/s
- Memory -- n/s
- Display -- 10.4-inch touchscreen display
- Networking -- Ethernet
- Other I/O:
- Printhead on flexible umbilical cable
- Available with 40, 50, 60, or 70um nozzle size
- Printing speed up to 21.65 ft/s (10 cpi)
- Printing height from 0.03 to 0.63 inches
- Fonts from 5 x 5 to 32 x 24
- Dynamic backward printing for traversing lines
- 1 x USB
- 1 x RS232
- Digital I/O: 6 in, 8 out
- Expansion -- SD slot
- Dimensions:
- Base unit, with tank lid closed -- 19.13 x 17.55 x 11.25 inches
- Print head -- 10.43 inches long, with 1.7-inch diameter
- Print head cable length -- 9.84, 19.68, or 32.8 feet
- Weight:
- Base unit -- 45.19 pounds
- Print head -- 3.30 pounds
- Operating range -- 41 to 113 deg. F (5 to 45 deg. F)
The Jet 3 is also available with IP65 sealing against dust and liquids, as the Jet 3pro, and as the Jet 3pi, for compatibility with pigmented inks. Leibinger did not release pricing or availability information, but all three versions appear to be on sale now.
More information may be found on the company's website,
here.
Related stories:
