High Resolution Printers

High resolution - The range
The Merlin range is the next generation of ink jet printers using the latest print head technology giving you the highest quality, crisp, clear print, time after time.

Meets new supermarket barcode requirements.
Quality text, graphics & barcodes.
Print area 16, 35 & 70mm high.
Full network capability.
Large ink capacity.
Compact design.
Easily fits onto your existing case taper or conveyor system.

Merlin 700
70mm high print field. Prints text, logos, graphics and barcodes. Stand alone or PC control.

Merlin 350
35mm high print field. Prints text, logos, graphics and barcodes. Stand alone or PC control.

Merlin 175
17.5mm high print field. Prints text, logos, graphics and barcodes. Stand alone or PC control.

Merlin 170
17.5mm high print field. Prints text only – entry level model. Stand alone operation only.

Clean and hygienic
Alpha-Dot The Merlin's clean, simple design makes it extremely hygienic. The wipe clean keypad is just one of the design features that makes it ideal for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Highest quality graphics, text and barcodes.
High quality barcodes; EAN13, EAN128 and ITF14 and all industry standard barcodes.
Prints barcodes up to 30m per minute.
Prints anything up to 70mm high.
Low maintenance costs - exceptionally reliable.
Optional bulk ink (one litre ink capacity for each model) – standard on 700 model.
Non-obtrusive small and compact design – only power source is required – no need for air lines – external pumps etc.
Very simple and easy to use.
Automatic time and date codes, shift codes and sell-by dates etc.
Secure system - password protected.
Connect machines with software over Ethernet which eliminates the distance limit for communications.
Apprentice and Connect Software are Alpha Dot designed tools.
External data capture eg; from PLC or Check weighing machines.
TCP / IP protocol (international network standard) supported by Windows – no specialised cables or connection box required.
World wide power supply 90 – 250 v.
24 x 7 capability.

Optional Merlin accessories

Belt conveyor to assure stability for high quality images.
Flexible conveyor for end of line manual pack off.
Head mounted guide to help maintain distance between print head and product.
Conveyor mounted guide for assisting box towards print head.
External photocell for detecting boxes with low profiles.
Shaft encoder (variable speed control for best practice when printing barcodes).
External ink low beacon.
Barcode validator - A scanner alone cannot determine the absolute quality of a printed barcode. Validators check the quality of the printed barcode against key parameters as defined by barcode specifications or industry specific application.
Barcode scanner (best practice when printing barcodes).
Floor mounted Merlin stands.
Accessory connection box to allow additional ports for external devices.
Merlin range maintenance kit.
Apprentice Software and Connect Software packages for advanced print out design and connectivity.

Merlin 170

Quality print.
Maximum print height 17mm.
Three text height options; Four lines of text at 4mm, two 8mm or one line of text at 17mm.
Embedded graphic library of standard packaging symbols.
Optional remote head for printing at angles or confined spaces.

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Merlin 175

Quality print.
Maximum print height 17mm.
Three text height options; Four lines of text at 4mm, two 8mm or one line of text at 17mm.
Graphics and barcode facility.
Ethernet / 232 communications facility.
Apprentice software – stand alone easy to use label design software, WYSIWYG, messages, fonts, graphics, logos, etc.
Connect software – Ethernet network capability of multiple Merlins and computer master and slave, real time monitoring, report logs and label design as per Apprentice software.
Optional remote head for printing at angles or confined spaces.

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Remote head: This item is for printing at various angles or in confined spaces.

Merlin 350

Quality print.
Maximum print height 35mm.
Three text height options; Four lines of text at 8mm, two 17mm or one line of text 35mm.
Graphics and barcode facility.
Ethernet / 232 communications facility.
Apprentice software – stand alone easy to use label design software, messages, fonts, graphics, logos, etc.
Connect software – Ethernet network capability, real time monitoring, report logs etc.
Optional remote head for printing at angles or confined spaces.

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Merlin 700

Quality print.
Maximum print height 70mm.
Three text height options; Four lines of text at 16mm, two 34mm or one lines of text 70mm.
Graphics and barcode facility - meets international barcode acceptance standard.
Ethernet / 232 communications facility.
Apprentice software – stand alone easy to use label design software, messages, fonts, graphics, logos, etc.
Connect software – Ethernet network capability, real time monitoring, report logs etc.
Replaces labelling systems.
Replaces need for pre-printed cases – can reduce production inventory by as much as 80%.
No remote head.

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Alpha Dot inks for Merlin at a glance

Pigmented inks for high contrast (no fade).
Large ink capacity – less down time replacing ink.
Plenty of time to change ink - ‘Ink bottle empty' integral warning coupled with ink reserve ensures no loss of printing capability.
Simultaneous ink change whilst printing maximises uptime.
Choice of four colours – Black, Red, Blue or Green.