As the tough economic climate tightens its grip on production costs, are you tempted to cut costs? Do you believe that opting for less expensive consumables for coders and thermal transfer printers will save you money?

Brandon Pearce, Pyrotec PackMark’s General Manager explains why tried-and-tested, specifically-designed consumables may cost a little more in the short term, but those long-term savings should not be overlooked.

‘The harmful effect of “grey” consumables will cost companies more money in the long term as expensive printer parts become damaged, specifically when it comes to the Markem-Imaje Thermal Transfer Ribbon consumables. Generic consumables have a negative effect on the lifespan of the print heads and the printer, forcing customers to replace expensive parts at costs far outweighing the savings made by using cheaper alternatives,’ Brandon warns

There are distinct advantages to using the correct consumable, especially with bigger capital investment equipment such as large printers.

Specially developed

The correct consumables are specially developed for their intended purpose on a specific machine. ‘The Markem-Imaje Thermal Transfer Ribbons have precise release layers and a back coating that matches the Markem-Imaje machine’s print heads. A poor-quality back coating can cause premature printhead wear and damage, as well as machine malfunction from static build-up,’ Brandon notes.

Less risk

Markem-Imaje consumables are extensively tested using ISO standards and are put through strict inspection criteria to ensure that you receive the highest quality products. ‘Using cheaper alternatives negates the terms of the printer’s warranty – when something goes wrong, and it often does, you are left with a hefty repair bill that could have been avoided,’ Brandon cautions.

Global consistency

Markem-Imaje consumables are consistent across the world. If you have facilities in multiple locations, you are assured of always receiving the same product to achieve the same exacting standards.

Integrated design

Markem-Imaje’s products offer complete synergy between printers and consumables – a new model is never created without simultaneously considering the consumables capable of optimising its performance. ‘This approach guarantees the long-term reliability of coders, as well as the quality and resistance of codes,’ Brandon insists.

To watch Pyrotec PackMark’s Do-It-Yourself video on Changing consumables for Markem-Imaje’s CIJ 9028 continuous inkjet printer, go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TN4eg3c1mI.