Consumables
KYOCERA Standardizes Thermal Printheads for Barcode Printers
Friday 12. September 2008 - 28 printheads now available as standard models with EcoGeneration, a new eco-friendly option
Kyocera Corporation (President: Makoto Kawamura) is pleased to announce the availability of 28 newly standardized thermal printhead models for barcode printer applications. Previously these 28 models had been offered solely on a custom, made-to-order basis. The standardized models also offer the option of EcoGeneration – a new, eco-friendly technology that reduces power consumption and noise levels. Kyocera will begin marketing the standardized products in September of this year.
“As barcode technology continues to support broader areas of society, Kyoceras thermal printheads will help expand the applications for barcode printing equipment,” stated Hitoshi Takao, general manager of Kyocera Corporations Thin Film Components Group.
Overview
Backed by the companys unique thin-film technology, Kyoceras market-leading thermal printheads are characterized by excellent print speeds and print quality with outstanding long-term reliability. The barcode models, representing a variety of print speeds, widths and resolutions, are now available for the first time as standard models, which eliminates the traditional design phase and simplifies the order process. While offering lower prices to customers and maintaining the industrys highest print quality, Kyocera will continue to provide products which support the highest print speeds in every product series.
The standardized printheads emphasize Kyoceras eco-friendly philosophy as a new key advantage. The optional EcoGeneration feature delivers impressive environmental advantages. Based on Kyoceras unique technology for enhanced thermal efficiency, it greatly reduces power consumption and lowers noise levels during print operations.
Market Background
Barcode printers are designed to print labels for a broad array of commercial and industrial barcode applications. These printers are in growing demand in the areas of physical distribution and logistics, following the expansion of point-of-sale (POS) systems for managing sales data at supermarkets and other retail establishments, and efforts by manufacturers to boost physical-distribution efficiencies.
Recent changes in society have also expanded the areas in which barcodes are effectively utilized. For example, an initiative by Japans Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will introduce barcode labeling on pharmaceutical products beginning in September 2008 to help prevent medical accidents. Other applications range from standard inventory management to ensuring food safety and facilitating traceability in the event of product recalls.
Features
(1) 28 models address wide-ranging needs.
(2) Each model offers the industrys highest print quality and speed.
(3) EcoGeneration, Kyoceras new eco-friendly technology, is available as an option
To support broad market needs, each of the 28 models supports four different preset printing speeds ranging from 150 to 350 mm/second, three preset resolutions of 203 to 600 dpi, and five preset printing widths ranging from 54 to 219 mm as standard specifications. This array of options allows customers to choose the model that best suits their purposes and price requirements.
EcoGeneration : a New Eco-Friendly Option
EcoGeneration, Kyocera’s new eco-friendly technology, offers two additional benefits: reduced power consumption and low-noise operation. The structure of the heating unit is optimized to improve thermal efficiency and operate on about 40% less power than Kyoceras conventional models. EcoGeneration also reduces sticking* during operation to diminish noise levels by up to 6 dB compared to Kyoceras conventional models. This revolutionary feature helps to reduce noise impact on the environment.
“Sticking” refers to a phenomenon in which the print medium sticks to the printhead. This causes partial print loss and noise.