Linx Launches 9000 Series CIJ Printer Range 

Linx Printing Technologies launched the new Linx 9000 Series Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ) printer range. 

The range is making its global debut at interpack in Düsseldorf, Germany, at the Linx Printing Technologies stand (C59 in Hall 8B).

Following extensive customer research, the new models address the most common challenges on a production line to deliver consistently high-quality codes.  

Models in the Linx 9000 Series are available for dye-based, soft, and hard pigmented inks to print with high contrast and adhesion onto almost any surface.

The Linx 9000 Series combines automated processes and mistake-proof design with unprecedented ease of use, significantly reducing the need for operator training and mitigating against potential human errors. 

The printer features Linx PrintProtect battery backup (included as standard) to help eliminate unplanned downtime, particularly in factories where mains power outages or staff pulling power plugs at shift-end can occur. 

An extended battery feature enables the printer to be moved between production lines while powered on for up to nine minutes, to maximize production uptime and line changeover efficiency.

Developed to ensure fast, error-free restarts, Linx PrintProtect provides up to three minutes of continued printing before commencing a full shutdown procedure if power is not restored. This utilizes the Linx AutoFlush automatic printhead cleaning sequence to prevent blockages and delayed startups. 

To prevent operator errors, the printer incorporates new user interface (UI) features. These include functions to quickly switch the UI language and create error-free GS1-compliant Data Matrix codes with the GS1 code builder. Also, the customizable printhead cleaning prompts and on-screen 12-hour consumables countdown further protect uptime.  

Connectivity and integration capabilities have also been designed for simplicity and speed. The 9000 Series is the industry-first CIJ to communicate with other systems natively using ubiquitous REST API, eliminating the need for intermediate software.

Linx Message Studio adds flexibility with remote message creation, editing, and direct transfer from a PC or USB drive. Enhanced Linx QuickSwitch real-time communication protocol connects the printer with external devices, such as PLCs, boosting production efficiency and reducing operator interaction.

“Linx has long been renowned for its practical innovation: developing products and services that make our customers’ lives easier,” said Mark Cooper, Senior Director Product and Marketing, Linx Printing Technologies. “With the Linx 9000 Series, we have truly focused on designing for the realities of the daily lives of production managers. These are incredibly busy people, dealing with everything from daily targets to quality defects to staffing issues. At the same time, they want to achieve an effective work-life balance, where their time away from the plant is not impacted by being called back because something has gone wrong. “

The Linx 9000 Series is available with a standard 62µm printhead or an optional 50µm Mini printhead that reduces operating costs. 

The Mini printhead produces a smaller ink drop that allows messages to be printed using up to 48% less ink, while maintaining high clarity for QR codes or up to five lines of print with character heights as small as 1.2mm.