IN tough economic times, the grip on production costs tightens and manufacturers may be tempted to cut costs. However, opting for less expensive consumables for coders and thermal transfer printers won’t save you money in the long run.
That’s according to Brandon Pearce, Pyrotec PackMark’s General Manager, who said tried-and-tested, specifically-designed consumables may cost a little more in the short term, but long-term savings should not be overlooked.
“The harmful effect of ‘grey’ consumables will cost companies more money down the line as expensive printer parts become damaged, specifically in the case of Markem-Imaje’s Thermal Transfer Ribbon consumables. Generic consumables harm the lifespan of the printer and printheads, forcing customers to replace expensive parts at costs far outweighing the savings made by using cheaper alternatives,” Pearce warned.
He added that there are distinct advantages to using the correct consumables, especially with bigger capital investment equipment such as large printers. He cited the ribbons for Markem-Imaje’s Thermal Transfer Printers as an example.
“They have precise release layers and a back coating that matches the Markem-Imaje machine’s printheads. A poor-quality back coating can cause premature printhead wear and damage, as well as machine malfunction from static build-up.”
Pearce said Markem-Imaje consumables are extensively tested using ISO standards and are put through strict inspection criteria to ensure 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.”
