Look What's New At Weber!

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Weber introduces digital printing solution for producing high-quality labels with short-run flexibility.

To complement its traditional, higher-volume flexographic label printing capabilities, Weber Marking Systems is introducing Digital-Edge Label Solutions, a digital label printing technology that will address end-users’ increasing needs for labels with high print quality coupled with lower quantities.

According to Tom Michalsen, Weber’s marketing director, a growing number of companies are looking for shorter runs of pressure-sensitive labels in order to reduce their inventory costs and to remain more flexible in the marketing of their products.

“Our customers today are interested in more options when it comes to the labeling of their products,” Michalsen said. “They need lower volumes of labels to increase the economies of marketing private-labeled products, regionally-focused and seasonal merchandise, labels for special events, plus the labeling of multiple SKUs.”

To address these initiatives, Weber recently installed an Indigo ws4500 digital press from Hewlett-Packard at its Arlington Heights, Ill., manufacturing plant. The digital unit enables Weber to offer the high-resolution, full-color process printing of paper and film label materials.

“The nature of digital printing makes it possible for us to print pressure-sensitive labels without the use of costly film or plates,” Michalsen pointed out. “In addition,” he added, “there is virtually no substrate waste due to digital printing’s lack of set-up requirements. Those factors mean a lower cost for a reduced volume of labels plus a more sustainable manufacturing operation.”

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Weber adds high-speed, variable-imprint system to its label production capabilities.

Weber Marking Systems has introduced a new capability that adds high-quality, in-line digital imprinting to its high-speed flexographic label printing and production operation.

Called Jetrion, it’s an on-press inkjet system that uses UV ink to deliver high-resolution image quality and reliability. It’s ideal for large- or small-volume print runs that require variable-imprinting like bar codes (1D and 2D), text, sequential numbers, expiration dates, and more.

The flexible Jetrion system operates at up to 250 fpm and provides over 9.5” of potential print width. Print resolution up to 316x526 dpi is available, and every bar code is verified prior to shipping.

In addition, the Jetrion system is compatible with a wide range of Weber film and paper label substrates.

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Weber introduces versatile, pressure-sensitive label applicator that handles many package types, sizes.

Weber Marking Systems is introducing its new Tronics Series 3 pressure-sensitive label applicator, which can be configured to handle a wide range of package shapes and label configurations.

The Tronics Series 3 from Weber is available in standard-, medium- and high-speed models that can apply up to 2,400 inches of label web per minute. The systems apply front, back, wrap-around, top and bottom pressure-sensitive labels for a broad range of consumer package goods markets, including food/beverage, pharma/neutraceutical, personal care, household chemical, medical products and more.

The system also can be configured to handle a diverse selection of package shapes and sizes: flat-sided, round, oval/contoured, plus other shapes. The Tronics Series 3 dispenses and applies pressure-sensitive labels from .5 inches high and long to a full 10 inches high and 39 inches long.

In addition, the Tronics Series 3 is designed to provide quick, easy product and label changeovers. Conveyor rails, labeling heads, wrap-around belts, aligning chains and other system modules all feature tool-less adjustments. Many adjustments can be made without stopping production through the use of the system’s touch-pad control.

The Tronics Series 3 makes it possible to store up to 100 jobs in its memory to help expedite product or label changeovers. And the system’s on-board software communicates with popular PLCs, including Allen-Bradley, Omron and others.

Weber also manufactures a complete range of pressure-sensitive labels that can be perfectly matched to the Tronics Series 3 and any of its numerous operational configurations.

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Weber introduces new-generation RFID SmartTrak label printer-applicator that rejects invalidated tags prior to application

Weber Marking Systems has announced the release of its Model 5300rfid, the newest generation of RFID SmartTrak label printer-applicator designed to easily print, encode, verify and apply pressure-sensitive RFID labels to cartons and pallet loads in one preset operation.

The system helps meet the emerging RFID labeling requirements of Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club and companies that wish to streamline the tracking of products through their manufacturing and distribution systems.

Weber’s Model 5300rfid offers a selection of print engines that utilize thermal-transfer technology to produce SmartTrak labels with text, bar codes and graphics at 203 or 300 dpi. Additionally, the unit comes with enhanced RFID processes for throughput up to 12 ips and is upgraded with the latest protocols.

As labels are printed, digital information is instantly encoded on thin, ultra-high frequency (UHF) inlays that are embedded in the SmartTrak label material. That encoded information is immediately verified by the system, which then applies the SmartTrak label to the top or side of a carton or pallet load as it moves down the production line. If a SmartTrak label cannot be validated, a “void” is printed on it and is rejected and retrieved before it is applied. Labels up to 4.5 inches wide and 6 inches long can be dispensed and applied using the non-contact, tamp-blow method.

In addition, for companies that currently utilize Weber’s existing Model 5200 or 5300 label printer-applicator systems, a retrofit kit is available to upgrade those units into RFID-capable systems.

The SmartTrak labels are formatted using Weber’s proprietary Legitronic® print-apply software, a package that combines label design, editing, printing and RF-encoding to create readable SmartTrak labels. Various RFID encoding schemes are already built into the Legitronic® software for ease of use.

Weber also provides a complete offering of SmartTrak labels with common label sizes available on shelf for immediate delivery. Each SmartTrak label is manufactured, inspected and replaced via Weber’s exclusive in-line inspection process, yielding 100 percent RF-readable SmartTrak labels.

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Weber introduces new labeling system that prints and applies two case labels in a single operation

Weber Marking Systems has introduced its new twin-tamp label printer-applicator, a unit that combines a thermal label printer with a specially configured applicator to handle the printing and two-label, adjacent-panel application of case labels in line.

Called the Model 5300 twin-tamp printer-applicator, the system is available with choice of print engines that offer 203- or 300-dpi label imprinting. Handling a range of label sizes, the print engines produce variable-sized text, bar codes and graphic images at print speeds up to 16 ips.

When a label is printed, it is fed onto a tamp pad that is mounted to a 90-degree swing arm that reaches across a conveyor to blow a pressure-sensitive label onto the front panel of a moving case. Upon the arm’s return, a second label is printed, then applied with a straight-line stroke to the side panel of the case.

To minimize downtime and reduce changeovers, the twin-tamp printer-applicator features a one-to-one relationship among its label supply, liner rewind and ribbon usage. Further flexibility is provided by standard connectivity to product handling systems and high-speed pneumatic components.

The twin-tamp system also features a repositionable operator interface with optional 15-foot umbilical, the capability to incorporate a user-specific PLC, plus remote monitoring of the system’s operation via a web browser. The unit also meets international standards as prescribed by UL, CE, CSA and RoHS.

Weber’s twin-tamp system operates with Weber’s print-apply software, which simplifies label formatting, editing and printing, in addition to providing RFID encoding capabilities. Weber also manufactures a wide variety of pressure-sensitive label materials and RFID smart labels that are suitable for variable thermal or thermal-transfer imprinting.

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Weber joins industry leaders to help retailers monitor products at the item level using RFID technology

Weber Marking Systems, a leading worldwide manufacturer and supplier of a wide range of labeling solutions, is participating in a unique item level RFID pilot program to test Electronic Product Code (EPC) technology.  The program is a collaborative effort among movie studios, DVD replicators, distributors, merchandisers, retailers, technology companies, industry associations and EPCglobal. Through the program, many new DVD releases will be individually tagged so retailers can monitor products on the shelves and assess the ROI of consumer item-level RFID tagging.

Leading up to the program, a tag feasibility study was conducted to determine the optimal placement for RFID smart labels that were applied directly to individual, plastic DVD cases. RFID labels were printed and encoded using a tabletop RFID printer-encoder.  The study concluded that RFID tags could be read in multiple positions on individual, plastic DVD cases. 

The next step in the project was to confirm that RFID tags could be encoded, printed and applied without reducing throughput on packaging and sortation lines. Weber Marking Systems provided an RFID item-level label printer-applicator integrated with a Zebra Technologies RFID print-encode engine. The system was used to simultaneously encode the RFID labels, verify their adherence to specifications, print human-readable information, and finally apply the RFID smart labels to the DVD cases.

After the initial steps were successfully completed, the “go-live pilot” commenced, where individually tagged items were introduced into live inventory that would end up at a retailer and, ultimately, the consumer.  Those Individually tagged products now are running through a number of retailers’ supply chains during this period of live testing.  As part of the go-live pilot, Weber Marking Systems has collaborated with Cinram, the world's largest provider of pre-recorded multimedia products and related logistics services, and 20^th Century Fox, the studio which issues the DVDs.

“Weber is very pleased to be a critical part of this industry-wide pilot, a first in terms of consumer item level RFID tagging,” said Ann Marie Phaneuf, Weber’s director of marketing. “Throughout the pilot, trading partners will be able to assess the ROI of using RFID to track products and inventory on store shelves and in the back of the store. Moreover, we’ve shown suppliers that adding RFID technology to operations won’t slow them down.”

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Gilly named president & CEO of Weber Marking Systems

Glenn C. Gilly, 53, has been named president and CEO of Weber Marking Systems, Inc., a worldwide manufacturer and supplier of pressure-sensitive labels and labeling systems. The announcement was made by Joseph Weber, Jr., chairman of the company.

Gilly assumes the new role after seven years as Weber’s vice president of finance and information technology. He joined the company in 1974, and has held a number of positions in the company’s finance division. Weber employs over 1,000 people throughout the world at numerous manufacturing and sales locations in North America, Central America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

“Glenn has been an important part of the company’s growth throughout his career,” said Weber. “I am confident that he will provide us with the leadership we need to continue to prosper in an ever-changing, international marketplace.”

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Weber introduces new dual-label printer-applicator for in-line pallet labeling

Weber Marking Systems has announced the introduction of its new Model 5100 Dual-Label pallet printer-applicator, which marries a high-performance label print engine with a specially-engineered articulating applicator to perform the printing and adjacent-side labeling of pallets in line.

Designed and manufactured by Weber, the Dual-Label system features a selection of 203- or 300-dpi print engines to handle labels up to 6.5 inches wide and 8 inches long. Systems print labels with text, bar codes and graphic images at print speeds up to 12 ips.

As a label is printed, it is automatically peeled from its liner and retained by vacuum on the unit’s applicator pad, which is mounted on a pneumatically-operated swing-arm that reaches across the leading side of a pallet as it approaches the Dual-Label system via conveyor. A sensor on the swing-arm detects the presence of the pallet and the label is gently blown onto its side.

The swing-arm then retracts to collect a second printed label, which is followed by an articulated stroke that applies that label to the adjacent side of the pallet to complete the cycle. The system can print and apply labels to up to five pallets per minute.

The Model 5100 Dual-Label pallet printer-applicator operates with Weber’s Legitronic® software, which simplifies label formatting, editing and printing. Weber also manufactures a wide variety of blank and custom-imprinted, pressure-sensitive label materials.

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Newest version of Weber label design and RFID encoding software now available

Weber Marking Systems has announced the availability of the newest version of its exclusive Legitronic® Labeling Software, which includes label design and printing functions as well as radio frequency identification (RFID) smart label encoding capabilities.

Version 3.6.0 of Weber’s labeling software is an intuitive package that combines advanced editing and other key features to maximize the efficiency of label formatting, editing, printing and RFID encoding for virtually any labeling application.

To ease compliance with the newest RFID requirements of many retailers and government agencies, the software supports the encoding of EPC-compatible smart labels to meet Class 1 Gen 2 specifications.

The new software release also features the flexibility to eliminate the need to maintain a separate database for label information. Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) features ensure compatibility with many popular database, word processing and graphic design programs. Remote input capabilities also permit direct input from other devices, such as scales and PLCs.

Labels can be created from a selection of built-in features, including numerous bar code symbologies. Handy pull-down menus streamline formatting to a single screen. This VBA-enabled (Visual Basic Application) package also helps customize label design and print functions.

In addition, a special version of the software package – the Secure Series – is available. It includes a new Security Administrator to help meet the requirements of FDA 21 CFR Part 11, a compliance standard regarding the recording and retention of secure label information and electronic signatures.

Legitronic® Labeling Software is compatible with thermal-transfer, direct-thermal and laser label printers and RFID printer-encoders, as well as with standard Windows®-based printers. For use in networks, it handles multiple systems and shared file support, while a built-in security system restricts use and protects information.

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Weber introduces new corner-wrap label printer-applicator w/optional RFID encoding

Weber Marking Systems has announced the introduction of it new Model 5200 Corner-Wrap label printer-applicator, which combines high-quality label printing with a specially designed label applicator that affixes a single label around the corner of a carton.

In addition to offering a selection of print engines that addresses various print speeds and resolutions, the new Corner-Wrap system is available with optional RFID print-encode engines that will satisfy the emerging requirements of today’s supply chain.

Standard thermal/thermal-transfer print engines produce text, bar codes and graphic images at 203- or 300-dpi. The RFID models combine printing capabilities with the encoding and verification of RFID inlays to meet the specifications of (Electronic Product Code) EPC Gen 1 and 2 protocols.

Engineered, manufactured and available only from Weber, the unit prints (or prints and RFID encodes) labels in a next-out mode, automatically removes them from their liner, and retains them by vacuum on an integrated swing arm-mounted pad. As a carton approaches, the pad gently applies the label to its front panel, then follows around the carton’s corner and wipes the remaining portion of the label onto its adjacent side. The system handles labels up to 4 inches wide and 12 inches in length, and will print and apply labels to a maximum of 15 cartons per minute.

The Model 5200 Corner-Wrap operates with Weber’s print-apply software, which simplifies label formatting, editing and printing, in addition to providing RFID encoding capabilities. Weber also manufactures a wide variety of stock and custom pressure-sensitive label materials.

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Weber RFID labeling system at work at new, collaborative RFID Solutions Center Dayton

Weber Marking Systems showcases its exclusive Model 5200rfid smart label printer-encoder-applicator at Alien Technology Corporation’s new RFID Solutions Center Dayton. The 23,000 sq. ft. center will be used for RFID education, research and development, and as a simulated real-world implementation resource.

“We are very pleased to collaborate with Alien Technology in this worthy endeavor,” said Ann Marie Phaneuf, marketing director of Weber Marking Systems. “The RFID Solutions Center is certain to be a valuable resource for RFID technology suppliers, end-users and educators alike.”

Weber’s Model 5200rfid system combines the printing, encoding, verification and application of pressure-sensitive RFID smart labels to cartons and pallet loads into one operation. At the same time, the system rejects and recovers RFID smart labels that are not compliant. The system will help users of the Center learn how to meet the emerging RFID labeling requirements in the consumer and governmental sectors.

The capabilities of the RFID Solutions Center are now available to companies, educational institutions, government agencies and other organizations undertaking the implementation of RFID technology. The Center’s facilities encompass technical labs and testing grounds, and include a wide range of RFID equipment and services that will simulate real-world RFID situations.

“Alien Technology has done a terrific job of forming collaborative relationships with many supplier companies and organizations engaged in solving emerging RFID applications,” Phaneuf added. “Weber is proud to be a part of the RFID Solutions Center.

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Weber to offer XML-enabled label printers and RFID printer-encoders for supply chain applications

Weber Marking Systems has announced that it has earned authorization from Zebra Technologies to provide the company’s complete range of XML-enabled label printers and RFID printer-encoders.

Weber’s XML-enabled printing systems from Zebra represent an innovative solution in thermal label printing and RFID encoding technology that simplifies the integration of label printing into many of today’s leading ERP systems.

Extensible Markup Language (XML) is increasingly becoming the standard for business-to-business and application-to-application transactions. Weber’s XML-enabled printers from Zebra can eliminate print servers and middleware by providing a direct connection to ERP, WMS and similar business process applications.

“We are extremely pleased to receive Zebra’s authorization to offer its XML-enabled systems,” said Ann Marie Phaneuf, Weber’s marketing director. “It will make it possible for us to offer our customers an excellent alternative in label printing that does not require additional hardware or middleware.”

Weber will be providing a range of labeling systems available with Zebra XML-enabled printing capabilities, including narrow- and wide-web thermal label printers; RFID smart label printer-encoders; and Weber’s exclusive RFID smart label printer-encoder-applicator.

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Weber introduces an exclusive line of RFID smart labels

Weber Marking Systems, Inc. has announced the availability of its exclusive SmartTrak RFID smart labels, a line of pressure-sensitive labels that includes embedded RFID inlays that can be encoded with large amounts of variable information.

RFID smart labeling provides an emerging means of product identification that has been adopted by mass retailers and other organizations to track the movement of products throughout their supply chains.

Weber SmartTrak labels are pressure-sensitive labels with RFID inlays inserted between the label face stock and its release liner. Weber inserts the inlays as part of its label conversion process, and uses fully tested and verified inlays from manufacturers like Alien Technology, Omron and UPM Rafsec.

SmartTrak RFID labels address various protocols for RFID encoding, including EPC Class 1. The 96-bit, read/write inlays are available in various sizes from 4” wide x 2” to 6” long. All SmartTrak labels are inspected by Weber to ensure that any faulty inlays are isolated and removed.

In addition, Weber provides SmartTrak Starter Kits for companies that are in the initial phases of establishing RFID programs. Kits consist of a small roll of RFID smart labels and a thermal-transfer printer ribbon to aid in pilot testing.

Weber also offers a complete range of solutions for the on-site encoding, verification and printing of SmartTrak RFID smart labels. These include stand-alone RFID printer-encoders and on-line printer-encoder applicators that encode smart labels while simultaneously imprinting variable information like text, bar codes and graphic images.

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New labeling software includes RFID encoding capabilities; FDA compliance version also available 

Weber Marking Systems has announced the availability of a new version of its exclusive Legitronic® Labeling Software, which adds radio frequency identification (RFID) smart label encoding capabilities and FDA compliance features to its traditional label design and printing functionality.

Designed for high-speed, 32-bit operating systems (Windows® 98se, NT, 2000 or XP), this intuitive software package combines advanced editing and other key features to maximize the efficiency of label formatting, editing, printing and RFID encoding for virtually any application.

To ease compliance with the newest RFID requirements of many retailers and government agencies, Legitronic® 3.5.0 software now supports the encoding of EPC-compatible smart labels to meet Class 1, 0, 0+ and emerging Gen 2 specifications.

The new software package also features the flexibility to eliminate the need to maintain a separate database for label information. Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) and Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) features ensure compatibility with many popular database, word processing and graphic design programs. Remote input capabilities also permit direct input from other devices, such as scales and PLCs.

Labels can be created from a selection of built-in features, including numerous bar code symbologies. Handy pull-down menus streamline formatting to a single screen. This VBA-enabled (Visual Basic Application) package also helps customize label design and print functions.

In addition, a special version of the software package – called Secure Series – is available. It includes a new Security Administrator to help meet the requirements of FDA 21 CFR Part 11, a compliance standard regarding the recording and retention of secure label information and electronic signatures.

Legitronic® Labeling Software is compatible with thermal-transfer and direct-thermal label printers, printer-applicators and RFID printer-encoders, as well as with standard Windows®-based printers. For use in networks, it handles multiple systems and shared file support, while a built-in security system restricts use and protects information.

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Weber to provide RFID smart labels featuring RFID tags from Alien Technology Corporation

Weber Marking Systems has qualified as an Alien® Qualified Label Partner and announced a strategic relationship with Alien Technology Corporation that will enable the leading labeling company to convert and supply radio frequency identification (RFID) smart labels with EPC Class 1 UHF RFID tags.

Alien Technology Corporation will provide tested, programmable RFID tags that Weber will insert into its pressure-sensitive RFID smart labels during the converting process. RFID smart labels and tags are used to meet the mandates of large retailers and governmental agencies for the identification and tracking of product containers and pallet loads.

The addition of the tags will enable Weber to offer its customers EPC-complaint RFID smart labels that will be compatible with a full range of EPC Class 1 RFID encoding solutions. Weber is a manufacturer and supplier of RFID desktop encoder-printers, plus in-line encoder-applicators and encoder-printer-applicators that ensure RFID smart labels are properly encoded and verified to meet specifications.

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New lumber tagging tool from Weber makes the stapling of UPC bar code tags easy.

Weber Marking Systems has introduced its exclusive FasTagger® II lumber end-tagger, an automatic tool that dispenses UPC bar code tags and securely staples them onto the ends of lumber.

The FasTagger® II uses compressed air to apply tags at a rate of over 100 per minute. An operator simply places the hand tool against the end of a piece of lumber and pulls its trigger. The FasTagger® II automatically staples a tag to the lumber, cuts it, and then instantly feeds the next tag into position.

The portable tool weighs just 6.5 lbs., including a full roll of tags. The FasTagger® II boasts a durable housing constructed of one-piece, anodized billet aluminum, making it ideal for the challenging environments found in lumber mills and treating plants.

The FasTagger® II accepts four different tag sizes to provide a full range of bar code and product identification needs. Tags are available in widths of 11/16” and 7/8”, and in lengths of 1-3/8” and 2-3/4”. The tool enables tag sizes to be changed in less than ten seconds.

Weber also manufactures specially designed tags that optimize the tool’s performance. Weber Poly Tags provide outstanding print quality that resists fading and abrasion, plus the tags are durable enough to discourage tearing and flexible enough to be stapled.