PRESS RELEASE - 18th Septmber 2009
ALLEN CODING SYSTEMS ZIPS UP LASER CODING SOLUTION FOR YKK
Customised LASERSystem Plus delivers clear and accurate coding of zips for life jackets, protective clothing and industrial workwear
Demonstrating its exceptional problem solving capabilities, Allen Coding Systems (tel: 01707 379500 or visit www.allencoding.co.uk) – a division of ITW and one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of high performance coding and marking equipment – has custom designed an advanced laser coding system to solve a challenging identification problem for YKK (UK) Ltd, a global producer of zips, snaps, buttons and fastening processes. Chosen for its quality, speed and usability, the sophisticated unit has been installed at The New Zipper, a division of YKK, located in Slough.
Operating at speeds of up to 60 prints per minute, the Allen K-1010 10-watt LASERSystem coder is being used to apply clear and resilient codes to the bottom stops of zips on life jackets, outdoor survival clothing, industrial workwear and service abandonment suits to facilitate fast and accurate traceability. Due to the nature of the application, it is vital that the unit produces a code that is clearly visible and can withstand the harshest conditions without being rubbed off.
Allen Coding was able to specially customise a laser coding solution to meet YKK’s requirements for this unique application. In order to smoothly integrate into the manufacturer’s production facility, the company additionally designed a very complex manual jig system to accompany the laser. The zip is put into a cassette or jig, which then slides easily under the coder. As well as the design and installation of the machine, Allen provided on-site training for YKK employees to support the project.
YKK operates in over 70 countries, employing 40,000 people worldwide. "Following a restructuring of the UK offices there is a greater focus on supplying industrial type fastenings so we needed a coding system that could be integrated with our own manufacturing equipment," explains Mike Wilson, Manager – Fastening Innovation Solutions at YKK.
"We considered several potential suppliers but was most impressed with Allen’s laser coder, especially its easy to use touch screen control panel and high print quality. Our existing equipment features touch screen interfaces so this unit was an ideal fit. We rarely source machines from outside suppliers, preferring to design our own, so this was an exception."
Mike continues: "Allen provides an excellent service, customising its laser system to meet the very specific needs of our application and production facility. The coder is proving extremely accurate with superb print quality. The hand held device is a great benefit too, as well as being user-friendly it helps to eliminate the chance of repetitive strain injury."
Setting a new standard in laser coding technology, the company’s cutting edge LASERSystem range of coders are both compact and easy to install. Offering valuable features for improved performance, the units can be used on a wide range of substrates including plastics, varnished and anodised metal, glass, paper, coated and printed cardboard.
Day-to-day operation and programming is simple using the full colour touch screen terminal or optional handheld device, which enable quick product, package and code changeovers with minimum operator training and maximum uptime.
In addition, the laser incorporates a high speed marking head, Ethernet interface and integrated air-cooling system. By changing lenses, the marking area can be extended to 250mm x 250mm. The beam exit can be selected at either 0° or 90°.
ENDS
Note to editors:
Allen Coding Systems has been designing and manufacturing high quality overprinting equipment for over 30 years. As one of UK’s leading manufacturers of hot foil and thermal transfer coding systems, Allen supplies companies in a wide range of markets, including food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and cosmetics. Acquired by ITW’s Norwood Marking Systems of Chicago in February 2006, the Allen brand continues to be recognised as one of the major players within the packaging industry.
Press enquiries: Emma Hulse, ELH Communications, Red Cottage, Dorney Wood Road, Burnham, Berks SL1 8PT. Tel: 01628 665593 Mob: 07801 869938 Email: emmahulse@copperstream.co.uk
For sales / marketing information please contact Andy Phillips, Allen Coding Systems, 6 Little Mundells, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 1LD Tel: 01707 379500 Web: www.allencoding.co.uk
