Quick and simple lettering
Personalised, abrasion-proof and counterfeiting-proof laser lettering for metal and plastic ID plates, with the new PULSAR laser lettering system from Murrplastik.

At the SPS 2011 trade show, Oppenweiler-based lettering specialist Murrplastik Systemtechnik GmbH will be presenting a new addition to its labelling system range: the PULSAR lettering system. Manufactured to the stringent Laser Protection Class 1, PULSAR is suited to the universal, material-friendly lettering of ID plates manufactured from polycarbonate, polypropylene, anodised aluminium and stainless steel.

Fig 1: PULSAR is the universal laser lettering system

With PULSAR, Murrplastik presents a system for manual workstation use with which abrasion-proof, quality lettering can be realised on a wide variety of base materials. Top features for the laser lettering system include its high output capacity and its simple, "plug-and-play" operation. PULSAR can be controlled and operated precisely from the PC via its USB interface and the industry standard ACS lettering software. This gives operators the option of setting the speed and optical density of the lettering in accordance with their requirements. Engineering design data can be loaded directly into the ACS lettering software using the integrated CAD and EPLAN interfaces. With its low initial cost, plus minimal operating and lifecycle costs, PULSAR is the perfect lettering system for mid-sized companies with a medium to high volume of lettering work and high standards regarding the quality of lettering produced. PULSAR can be used for lettering on ID plates for leads, lines, terminals, control panels and signalling equipment, switchgear, media devices and much more besides.

Long-term lettering.

The high quality of lettering produced by PULSAR is the result of a chemical reaction in the lettering material. Andreas Hackl, Laser Technology Product Manager at Murrplastik, explains: "The colour change in the material – which we also call "carbonisation" – gives the finished lettering its exceptionally high durability." As a result, the inscription is impervious to damage by external environmental factors – even the oils, gases or moisture produced under harsh industrial conditions. Andreas Hackl: "The lettering is 100% permanent and is as durable as an etched inscription – with the difference that this process does not subject the ID plates to any mechanical stresses." One key side-effect is that the laser lettering will not fade even if subjected to the UV radiation contained in daylight.

PULSAR's core component is a 6-watt solid-body laser unit. The laser beam is redirected using several mirrors, permitting exceptionally fine and precise marking even with the smallest fonts and graphics. Even a film of moisture on the lettering medium does not impair the quality of the laser lettering produced.

Fig 2: The high quality of lettering produced by PULSAR is the result of a chemical reaction in the lettering material.

In line with the times:
An excellent price-performance ratio.

In terms of business value, PULSAR is right in line with the times. PULSAR not only has one of the lowest purchase prices in its class, but the laser from the Oppenweiler-based specialists is also setting standards in terms of costs for consumables – since electricity is de facto the one and only cost factor! Unlike an engraving machine, for example, no dual-layer material is required. Nor are dyes, inks or toner consumed, as is the case with typical devices on the market. This enables truly substantial cost savings to be made with PULSAR.

Another key feature is PULSAR's high output capabilities. With an hourly throughput of up to 150 lettering mats, this amounts to something in the region of 6,000–8,500 ID plates lettered per hour. Thanks to its outstanding price-performance ratio, laser technology is therefore a sensible alternative for mid-sized companies.

Plug-and-play:
Why make things complicated when it can be kept simple?

Anyone who has faced the difficulties presented by an inkjet print head clogged with dried ink will appreciate the advantages of a laser that manages to avoid using any consumables at all. PULSAR makes changing cartridges or removing and cleaning print heads a thing of the past.

You simply connect PULSAR to mains power and get to work. Another impressive feature is that PULSAR requires a warm-up phase of just 25 seconds after power-on. Andreas Hackl: "We devoted a huge amount of development time to handling. Operation and calibration require very little user input. New typefaces and lettering can be configured in no time at all."

As regards software, PULSAR relies on its underlying "operating system" – the ACS labelling package, which is intuitive to use and has a proven track record in the industry. ACS gives users easy access to numerals, icons, logos and a wide range of fonts, meaning users can design high-impact labels themselves both quickly and simply. One particularly time-saving feature in this respect is the integrated icon database.

PULSAR satisfies the stringent Class 1 laser standard, which also applies to DVD and CD players. As a result, no special precautions need to be taken and PULSAR can be set up and deployed anywhere in a company without further thought. The lettering procedure itself does not release any substances that are harmful to health, providing the materials are used as provided by Murrplastik.

From A to Z:
All labelling solutions from a single source.

As one of the world's leading producers of lettering systems, Murrplastik Systemtechnik GmbH can offer an all-in-one system capable of handling any labelling task. Complementing its range of labelling systems that runs from plotters and thermal transfer printers to the new PULSAR laser lettering machine, Murrplastik also offers a perfectly-matched portfolio of labelling materials.