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GeBE developed new test system GeBE-PRINTER Lab

Germering, October 6th, 2015.

GeBE Elektronik und Feinwerktechnik GmbH introduces now a new test system for the thermal print technology: the GeBE-PRINTER LAB®. Now manufacturers of thermal paper, printing units, printers and printheads can check their product range more accurately than before. The new test printer precisely tests thermal paper and furthermore the hardware involved in the printing process, like thermal print heads or platen rollers. Besides testing, it helps to understand the whole thermal printing process and side effects coming with this technology like sticking & head residue. The GeBE-PRINTER LAB is equipped with a vertical print head positioning system, which automatically eliminates print head alignment errors caused by i.e.

different paper thicknesses. Therefore this system is applicable for every paper thickness without changing the settings. A micrometer screw is used to adjust the print head alignment position manually (or optional motordriven) to an accuracy of 10 μm, which is detected by a sensor that transmits this information to the Test Suite.

The desired printheads are connected to a universal connector. To feed the paper as accurately as possible, a linear paper guide has been developed. The test printer works connected to the PC, where test conditions, such as print resolution or drive speed can be adjusted and stored. In this test printer GeBE successfully counteract typical error sources of previously used test equipment. On request the GeBE-PRINTER LAB is compatible to other testing units on the market.

Optimizing the system „thermal printer“

As thermal printer specialist GeBE Elektronik und Feinwerktechnik GmbH is working closely with leading paper manufacturers for more than 30 years. Their special needs have been realized in the new GeBE-PRINTER LAB. An adjustable paper guide offers the possibility to use single sheets of paper, e.g. A4, as well as paper rolls for longterm testing. Two different surfaces are available as R&D mode or production mode. The R&D developer can generate a test program under R&D mode, which additionally allows to set operation parameters and tolerances to be complied. A programmed test case can change either the print energy, printing speed, printer head platen pressure or the head alignment, while keeping the others constant.

The production mode serves to perform the preprogrammed R&D test modes. Information about tambour number, sampling point, etc., can be insert manually or via bar code scanner. After a printout, the result will be stored. A special interface software is available to export the data into other database systems. This special test equipment allows manufacturers of paper, printing units, printers and printheads to optimize the system
„thermal printer“ in economic as well as scientific point of view. GeBE has put her entire 30-year thermal printer know-how in this test printer and offers beside their standard program as well adjustments for OEM customers as new developments starting at small order volume series.