I am staring at a similar solution. I was just reviewing it before I
sent it off to UL for our new product. The system is from Intermec the main
PCA's carry a ID label put on at their assembly time and these labels are
scanned at unit production time as they roll down the assembly line into
final test. The information from the subassembly level is read by a data
base that produces the end product label. I don't have the specs at hand but
it is a plastic Mylar type label. White with Black lettering - other colors
could have been chosen.It works very well, and keeps up with even high speed
production.
The mechanical boys design the layout of the overall label to fit the
product with input from me and others, send it as a file to our functional
test engineer, who sucks the data into his system, links it with the data
base and send the file to the production engineers. That makes the
production engineer's main worry (from a label perspective), just making
sure that the correct sized blank labels labels are loaded, and the printing
of it is transparent.
[Gary McInturff] -----Original Message-----
From: Clement Dave-LDC009 [mailto:dave.clem...@motorola.com]
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2001 5:24 AM
To: 'Chris Wells'; 'emc-pstc'
Cc: Wells, Christopher D
Subject: RE: Print on demand labels - UL/CSA approved
Chris,
I introduced this method into the factory about 10 years ago. The first
iteration was using die cut myler label stock on a laser printer. It turned
out to be very time consuming and you had to print 8 identical (s/n
incremented for each) labels at a time. The next step was a thermal transfer
printer with Mylar label stock on a roll. This was fast and allowed for one
label at a time. Initially we used home grown software on a PC and had
several standalone systems around the factory each with an assigned block of
serial numbers. We then integrated the system into our Factory Control
system computers and had labels printed on demand at the configuration
station based on scanned sales order travelers. We have since out sourced
our manufacturing so we went back to the standalone PC based system using
software from an outfit called Loftware http://www.loftware.com/home.htm
<http://www.loftware.com/home.htm>
Our system uses completely blank label stock and a various layouts are
designed using the drawing features in Loftware. Variables are merged from a
database (excel) and printed on the label. Power ratings, model
descriptions, agency logos, patent numbers are all pulled from the database
and the layouts determine the placement on the label. We even included a
couple of smaller sub labels as part of the basic label stock that have
serial numbers, models numbers, etc that can be placed in other locations on
the product to help out the customer service folks.
We have had great success using thermal transfer printers from Zebra
Technologies http://www.zebra.com/ <http://www.zebra.com/> . The label stock
is a 1.5 mil myler and we have used both matt and gloss finish materials in
translucent and white. To meet UL requirements the combination of printer,
label stock and ribbon are approved. We have a section in our UL SP volume
describing the system. The most difficult thing to do is select a label
stock and ribbon combination that will provide an acceptable level of print
quality while still meeting the durability requirements of the marking
section of the safety standard. All thermal transfer processes use ribbons
that are either a wax, resin or combination of both. The wax materials
provide the best print quality and are great on paper labels but will not
stand up to the solvent wipe test on Myler. The resins are durable and
easily pass the wipe test but the quality of the printed image is not as
good. There are ribbons that are a blend that will give you what you need.
The only other consideration is the adhesive on the label. If you are
applying the label to a smooth plastic or metal surface there is not much to
worry about. If the part is textured you will need a a heavier layer of
adhesive to get acceptable adhesion.
One of these systems are definitely the way to go. We cut our costs from an
average of $0.50 per preprinted label to $0.06 per label with this process.
David Clement
Motorola Inc.
Global Homologation Engineering
20 Cabot Blvd.
Mansfield, MA 02048
P: 508-261-4389
F: 508-261-4777
C: 508-725-9689
E: < mailto:dave.clem...@motorola.com <mailto:dave.clem...@motorola.com> >
-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Wells [mailto:cdwe...@stargate.net]
Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2001 2:49 PM
To: 'emc-pstc'
Cc: Wells, Christopher D
Subject: Print on demand labels - UL/CSA approved
As a continuation of my last email - "save me from label hell...."
I need to do some investigations into better "print on demand" labeling
sollutions.
Right now about the only "print on demand" we do is the serial number/ date
code.
The rest of the label is silk screened and includes all the variations
within a product.
As a result we must have a multitude of different lables with set up charge
and lead time issues.
i would like to improve that approach
What I have seen and would like to do is create a "boiler plate" label for
each product or a series of products, that will support "print-on-demand"
for all the variables.
* The printing ought to be back printed on plastic stock so that the
surface affords protection. Perhaps there are other approaches.
* It needs to be UL/CSA/??? controled/approved matterials.
* It needs to be compatible with industrial temp extremes of -40 to ~ 85C
on metal or Poly carb plastic surfaces. Our products are typicaly speced to
60 or 70C.
* Most importantly I need a semi turn key system form engineering to
production. Not just the label stock and the printer but a data base that
will handle the transfer of printing field data from design engineering out
to the production floor with an eye on maintaining ISO 9001 and
compatibility with our drawing control management system (CMS).
Looking for recomendations or feedback (good or bad) on vendors that can
help update our approach.
Are there some good trade mags on this topic, web sites????
Are there any pitfalls to avoid?
Thanks
Chris Wells
Senior Design Eng.
Cutler-hammer
well...@ch.etn.com <mailto:well...@ch.etn.com>
412 490 6862
