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One of the Irish Republic's leading producers of cucumbers has installed a high-speed print and apply labelling system - manufactured by Sessions of York to label shrink-wrapped whole cucumbers and cucumber portions. The SPA 720 unit, supplied top-mounted on a dedicated flighted conveyor, was sold to Carthy & Collins by Sessions' Irish agent JMC Packaging based in Dunganon, Northern Ireland.

Carthy & Collins is currently using the system to print and apply generic labels specific to a particular chain of supermarkets. The labels incorporate variable data and bar codes. A spokesperson for Carthy & Collins says: "We particularly looked for a machine that could perform the dual functions of printing and applying within a single operation. The Sessions SPA 720 is precisely what we required and we are delighted with its performance. Although our output varies from day to day, the machine allows us to label an entire day's orders without any problems."

Sessions' SPA 720 Print & Apply labeller is a highly versatile thermal transfer or direct thermal printer with the capability of dispensing self adhesive labels for accurate placement on many different types of products. It features a new generation print head that allows high definition printing of bar codes, logos, text and graphics on any self-adhesive medium.

To optimise label fixing capability for any given application, the printer can be supplied with the most appropriate choice of labelling plate. This consists of either fixed, spring or pneumatically controlled plates. Alternatively, custom designed applicators can be provided upon job assessment.

The SPA 720 forms a magazine loop after overprinting, enabling labels to be applied at linear speeds of up to 30m!min or as many as 260 labels/mm. It can be incorporated into product handling systems for use on labels such as wrap-around and 3-panel and can also be used to print traded unit labels or for applying sell by and price marking on overprinted labels.

In addition to its standard 7.4 dots/mm printhead, Sessions' SPA 720 has an 11.4 dots/mm option for even greater accuracy with graphics, especially with very small characters. More than 100 fonts are available together with all commonly used bar code formats. Fonts can be rotated for even greater flexibility in label design.

All controls are accessible on a front-mounted four-digit control panel with touch sensitive keys. A start delay function is incorporated to enable accurate adjustment of label position on the product and automatic control of missing labels ensures 100 per cent labelling. The machine's nine data banks provide memory of settings to simplify and guarantee the operators' selections.