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- Barcode Printers (4)
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- Case Studies (2)
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- Thermal Printing (3)
- Tips & Tricks (4)
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Advanced Automation has the experience and expertise to understand and solve some of your most complex business challanges.
Our SolutionsNew Motorola ET1 Enterprise Tablet Released!
In case you haven’t heard, Motorola recently announced their answer to the workplace tablet battle taking place. The Motorola ET1 Enterprise Tablet should start shipping sometime in December or January. From our angle, the Motorola ET1 fills a gap otherwise left completely untouched until now. Before the Motorola ET1, the emphasis was on ruggedness. While ruggedness is critical where the environment demands it, those not requiring it had to cave in and pay for ruggedness or go with a far less durable and less expensive notebook or laptop. The Motorola ET1 tablet provides a company’s workforce all of the benefits of a tablet, but without having to pay for all of the ruggedness and durability.
With ruggedness and durability in mind, the Motorola ET1 is not by any means a wimp. With an IP54 rating, the ET1 can withstand reasonable moisture, humidity and other environmental challenges. It’s also been tested with multiple 4ft drops as well as vibration tests to ensure physical reliability. This combined with Motorola’s proven track record as an industry leader and a MSRP list price around $1,500, the ET1 will definitely be in demand.
The Motorola ET1 will support the Android OS, but using the SDK’s RhoElements, DataWedge & KepMap, applications can be developed for Android that support use of the barcode scanner or other input technology. Other key features include 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR, GPS, UPS ports, Front & rear facing camera, 7″ Display and full shift battery operation.
The Motorola ET1 will sure be a game changer and we’re looking forward to getting our hands on one. If you are interested in learning more about the Motorola ET1, give Advanced Automation a call or email.
Motorola ET1 Tablet Data Sheet
Zebra Printer Toggle Assembly Set Up
Advanced Automation is always looking out for our customer’s efficiency, production and bottom line. This video on helps tabletop Zebra printer users better understand proper set up and use of the toggle assemblies. When the toggle assemblies are properly set up, the wear and tear on a printhead & platen roller is lowered. This means printheads and platen rollers last longer which directly translates into savings by reducing the number of printheads needed within a given time period. It also eliminates down time associated with trying to determine why printing has gone bad as well as time required to change the printhead out!
If you’re interested in learning more about proper toggle assembly set up, elongating the life of your printhead(s) or any other Zebra Printer related questions, don’t wait another minute.
Did you know: Paper vs. Poly Labels
An over-engineered labeling solution is the easiest way to make your internal labeling processes difficult and more expensive. For example, choosing a poly material when a paper label would suffice is a very common mistake. Let Advanced Automation work with you to discover less-expensive and/or more efficient labeling solutions. So, how do you know when to choose a paper or a poly material? Below are some characteristics of the most common materials to help you get started.
Paper – the most widely used substrate can be printed using a variety of methods, is suitable for most label and tag applications, but not recommended for highly-durable, harsh environment or extended life use. A wide variety of grades are available.
Polyethylene – a tough, stretchy plastic film with very good low temperature characteristics. Tyvek® is a common high-density polyethylene (HDPE), typically used as a tag for its tear strength and puncture resistance.
Polypropylene – similar to polyethylene but stronger with a higher temperature resistance. Kimdura®, a biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP), is synonymous with this type of film, but due to its household name can cause you to be outbid. There are hundreds of polypro options available for when superb durability and longevity are required.
Polyester – a strong film with excellent strength, clarity, dimensional stability and resistance to moisture, solvents, and oils. Typically the most expensive substrate within the poly family, but also the most durable.
Foil, PVC, Metalized Paper… – these and other materials are used to a lesser extent as facestocks, but each feature unique attributes making them ideal for niche applications.
There are many other factors such as caliper (thickness), coated/uncoated, and imprint method that will affect a quote. Take the guesswork out of the equation; call your Advanced Automation labeling expert, John Tiffany, at 800.728.8889 ext. 203 or contact us to get the perfect solution for your thermal labeling application(s).
Zebra 5049 & 4100 Ribbon Discontinuation
As of April 5th, 2011, Zebra Technologies officially announced the discontinuation of the 5049 Wax Ribbon and the 4100 Resin Ribbon. “Due to global thermal transfer ribbon price inflation and material shortages, Zebra is discontinuing legacy ribbons 5049 wax and 4100 resin effective 5/2/11.”
Zebra 5049 Wax Ribbon Users:
We recommend customers currently using Zebra 5049 wax ribbon to transition to either the 2100 or 5319 wax ribbon instead. Both alternatives are less expensive than the 5049, but we’re confident you won’t notice much, if any decline in performance. The Zebra 5319 is one of the most popular Zebra wax ribbons if you’re looking for the most reliable and immediate transition.
Zebra 4100 Resin Ribbon Users:
We recommend customers currently using Zebra 4100 resin ribbon to transition to 5095 resin ribbon. The Zebra 5095 resin ribbon offers a much broader range of acceptance on different substrates without any darkness setting changes by the customer. Although slightly more expensive, you definitely see an improvement in print quality and even more importantly when using a resin ribbon, durability and staying power.
If this discontinuation affects you and you have any questions regarding the alternatives or what consequences there may be for changing ribbons, don’t hesitate to contact your Advanced Automation team. We can easily arrange for some sample ribbon to be sent your way for testing prior to a true transition. We’re here to support you throughout the entire process!
Datamax MP Compact4 Mark II Printer
The Datamax O’neil Compact4 Mark II is a powerful response to desktop thermal printing requirements, and ideal for on-demand printing, especially where space is limited. The printer is ideal at the front desk of a hospital or in the box office of a movie theatre. Able to deliver continuous operation, the Compact4 is the printer of choice whenever ease of use, reliability and high performance are a must.
The Compact4 Mobile Mark II is designed for installation on forklift trucks and mobile stations. It can operate from a connection to a forklift’s battery and its vibration proof design makes it the perfect choice for warehousing logistics. Were other mobile thermal printers struggle to perform, the Datamax Compact4 Mark II shines. This printer works especially great in a fixed mounted fork lift setting where it successfully stands up to the rugged environment in which it has to perform.
The Datamax O’Neil Nova series is for customers who need faster speed, high capacity label rolls, and thermal transfer as an option. These printers are the most compact printers in their class. Featuring all-metal casing, they are tough enough for harsh industrial environments, yet quiet enough for office use.
Advanced Automation recently just worked with a client to overcome their own forklift printing challenges using the Datamax O’neil MP Compact4 Mark II Mobile printer. They were using a desktop clam-shell type printer of a rival manufacturer, but were consistently losing printers due to their non-ruggedness. After a demo of the Compact4 Mark II, they were convinced and rolled the Datamax line out to the rest of their forklifts.
Are you struggling with successful mobile thermal printing challenges? Look no further than Advanced Automation and our complete line of mobile thermal printer solutions. We’ve got the answer you’re looking for!
Datamax O\'neil MP Compact4 Mark II
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