FlexiMate eLinear

The FlexiMate eLinear applies labels by tamp, on products that are stationary or moving on a conveyor. Its applicator unit is a hybrid: a stepper motor drives and positions the arm — so stroke, speed and acceleration are set electrically rather than by mechanical stops — while compressed air holds the label on the pad and assists application. That makes it faster than a purely pneumatic applicator and accurate even as product height varies.

Paper tensioning and rewinding are handled by two independent motors, one for the label unwinder and one for the liner rewinder, which keeps the liner correctly tensioned for high-capacity reels and consistent print quality. Air assist blows compressed air onto the label's adhesive side as it is dispensed, and a micro-perforated tamp pad holds it by vacuum until it is placed.

Four nominal stroke lengths are available — 250, 350, 500 and 800 mm — and the stroke can be fixed, variable or fully programmable. An optional laser measurement sensor or variable stroke proximity sensor lets the unit adapt its stroke automatically to products of different heights on the same line. The print engine is a build choice: Valentin or SATO, at 200, 300 or 600 dpi. Operation is through a 7" colour touchscreen (800×480), with Ethernet and USB for diagnostics, remote control and firmware upgrades, and configuration through IMA's LinkMate tool. Construction is anodised aluminium and stainless steel.