The Accubar barcode verifier monitors and validates symbol accuracy in high-speed converting and packaging operations. The microprocessor-based control scans and verifies code at line speeds up to 1,400 fpm. Unacceptable codes can trigger an alarm, machine stop, ejector or marker. It accommodates high-output production for folding-carton manufacturing and diecutting.

NORDSON CORP. , 800/683-2314, fax: 866/667-3329, www.nordson.com

The new Marsh® 3100 and 1100 large-character inkjet printers turn out characters as large as 2.75 and 0.66 in. high, respectively. They feature a patented, automatic, self-cleaning and self-maintenance system that operates every time the machine prints. The units' printheads remain virtually clear of dust and debris throughout production, eliminating wasted ink and downtime caused by regular priming, purging and cleaning, co. says.

VIDEOJET TECHNOLOGIES, INC. , 800/843-3610, fax: 630/616-3657, www.videojet.com

Co.'s A-series continuous inkjet printers can print up to four lines of code in a variety of formats and display codes on the real-time message monitor as they are printed. Their sealed-nozzle technology printheads ensure that start-ups are clean, even after extended periods of shutdown, co. says.

DOMINO , 800/486-7351, fax: 847/244-1421, www.domino-printing.com

Co.'s first in-line thermal-transfer printer, the EasyPrint X, offers printing speeds up to 47 in. per second and is available in 2- and 5-in. widths. Barcodes and other variable data are printed directly onto substrates such as poly, film, foil and Tyvek®. The EasyPrint X fits applications that require protection from wet, cold, dusty or dirty environments and has an IP65 rating for harsh environments.

BELL-MARK, INC. , 973/882-0202, fax: 973/808-4616, www.bell-mark.com

The IL-270 is a high-speed, high-resolution, drop-on-demand (DOD) inkjet printing system with a 2.8-in. print area. The unit prints at a fixed 270-dpi resolution at speeds up to 300 fpm. UV-curable, solvent- and oil-based inks can be used for variable or static information on film, plastic, Mylar®, vinyl, polystyrene and polypropylene substrates.

DIGITAL PRINT, INC. , 817/512-3151, fax: 817/512-3158, www.digitalprint.com

Consumer products maker Kimberly-Clark (Neenah, WI) had been searching for a way to print better barcodes using flexography since the early 1990s. The company was also looking for a way to measure the barcodes during production to ensure they would scan in the marketplace. Kimberly-Clark found its solution through converter partner Banner Packaging, Inc. (Oshkosh, WI), part of Bemis Co., Inc.

Banner installed Webscan, Inc.'s TruCheck Model 101-R barcode verifiers (www.webscaninc.com) on its printing presses; the unit scans the barcodes right on the press as it runs. "This eliminated a lot of grief for all of us because if there was a mistake within a roll, you could go back and check to find out where it was and get it out of there," says Peter Santkuyl, graphic production specialist for Kimberly-Clark's Consumer Packaging Group.

The TruCheck provides a hands-free analysis with a moving laser beam that sweeps across the code, eliminating the variability of the human element from the verification process. Unlike using pens or other hand-held devices, the grade will not vary depending on the operator. "We found that people were able to manipulate the pen to get decent grades," Santkuyl says. "With the TruCheck, you just lay it over the substrate, and it gives you a good grade or a bad grade. We've had very few problems since Banner installed (the TruChecks)."

The TruCheck also has an "Auto Discriminating" function, which means it automatically determines the type of barcode being verified, including the magnification, without the operator having to type in a code or magnification factor.

BANNER PACKAGING, INC. , 920/303-2300, fax: 920/233-1899, www.bemis.com

WEBSCAN, INC. , 631/952-3747, fax: 631/952-3595, www.webscaninc.com

The JetSet3.2i wide-format inkjet press prints in six colors with a resolution of 600 dpi at speeds up to 785 sq ft per hour. It is available in 8- or 10-ft formats and supports multiple-roll and backlit features. Other accessories include a jumbo media roll feeder and media collector for an efficient finishing process, co. says.

MATAN DIGITAL PRINTERS , 716/631-3770, fax: 716/631-3576, www.matanprinters.com

Co. offers several laser barcode verification systems. The DM400 is designed for use on slitters, rewinders and filling lines. Using a high-speed laser scanner, it ensures that all barcodes can be read and that all barcodes on a roll are identical. The LS100 is completely integrated in the inspection device, and the LS200 includes a set of real-time graphic trend reporting and analysis tools. The LS300 can scan webs moving 1,000 fpm and can read and verify various barcode types and lengths up to 15 in.

BST PRO MARK , 800/796-9621, fax: 630/833-9909, www.bstpromark.com