Carton Coder

• Norwood Marking Systems
• Downers Grove

Carton Coder

Norwood Marking Systems/Allen Coding Systems has introduced the new ACF-400 carton coder. Available with either thermal transfer or hot foil printing technology, this versatile off-line carton coder handles the widest range of cartons, sleeves, blister packs and leaflets from 0.1 to 6 mm thick with fast and easy changeovers. As the only carton coder in the world that handles both "crash lock" cartons and blister cards, the ACF-400 offers unparalleled production flexibility.The stainless steel ACF-400 operates in either intermittent or continuous motion mode and can be quickly switched via a setting on the touch pad. Machine parameters such as speed, index length and batch quantity are also set via the touch pad. Compared to traditional carton coders that typically take from five to 20 minutes to change over from one carton size to another, the ACF-400 can be changed over in only one minute with no tools and no change parts. The servo-driven ACF-400 transports cartons using a bottom belt and an upper pressure roller, which allows the coder to handle complex shapes, odd sizes and thinner material while achieving excellent registration. It handles cartons from 2 x 2.75 inches (50 x 70 mm) to 15.75 x 15.75 inches (400 x 400 mm) in size. Unlike traditional belt roller systems with a "dead area" within the print area, the ACF-400 can print anywhere within the capability of the print head. The unique belt configuration also allows operators to safely remove printed cartons from the discharge area while the system is running.