FAQs

Industry news & regulations

Do you supply training?

Yes, we do!

We recommend training at Clearmark HQ – bespoke facilities which include test rigs to gain hands-on experience to help with maintenance and identifying parts, attendees would not be distracted, gives the opportunity to meet Clearmark staff members & fellow engineers/operators.

Scheduled days here at ICE are usually from 9am - 4pm, lunch provided, discounted hotel rates available if required. Certificate provided at the end of training days. Demo room available to show other technologies.

If we were coming to site for training, we would need to ensure that the line is available and that there is a training room the engineer could use.

If you would like to book some training or have any questions, please contact our Aftercare team by email at enquiries@uk.interactivecoding.com or call on 01159 640 144.

When you contact us, please confirm the following:

– What machine(s) do you need training for? E.g., Zodiac, Viper, Vulcan or Clarisoft software training?
– If you require training for Hawk or Zodiac, would you like standard 1-day or advanced 2-day course?
– Is engineer or operator training required?
– Do you need on-site or in-house training?
– How many attendees will need to be trained?

Do you sell labels?

Yes, we offer packages of ribbon and labels based on planned production to ensure that you have matched quantities on site.

If you would like to order labels or have any questions, please contact our Aftercare team by email at enquiries@uk.interactivecoding.com or call on 01159 640 144.

If you have a Vulcan machine, please provide the following details:

– Company details
– Contact details
– Serial number(s) of your Vulcan coder(s)

We also provide labels for other models. If you have a different coder, please confirm:

– Coder make and model
– Size or specification of label required
– Company details
– Contact details

Do you sell ink?

Yes, we offer a range of high-performance ink formulations for use with our Viper, Scorpion and Torus ranges to support applications in primary packaging, case and tray coding.

Please note that we only supply black ink.

If you would like to order ink or have any questions, please contact our Aftercare team by email at enquiries@uk.interactivecoding.com or call on 01159 640 144.

Please provide as much information as you can so that we can offer you the best solutions. Useful information includes:

– Is this for a new installation?
– What coder do you have? E.g., a Continuous Inkjet or Thermal Inkjet coder?
– Will you be printing on to a porous or glossy substrate?
– Do you need water-based or solvent ink?

Do you sell ribbon?

Yes, we stock an extensive portfolio of different ribbon grades, colours, width and lengths to meet your application requirements.

If you would like to order ribbon or have any questions, please contact our Aftercare team by email at enquiries@uk.interactivecoding.com or call on 01159 640 144.

Please provide as much information as you can so that we can offer you the best solutions. Useful information includes:

– Is this for a new installation?
– What coder do you have? E.g., is it Zodiac 53 mm/107mm or a Vulcan 76mm/107mm?
– What are you printing on to?
– What colour/width, length ribbon do you need?
– Are there any environmental factors? E.g., oil, water, heat, water, freezing, grease etc.
– Existing installations only: What is the serial number of your coder?

How may I place an order?

Please send your order request to us via email to enquiries@uk.interactivecoding.com

You may also call us on 01159 640 144.

However you choose to place your order, please ensure that you confirm the following details:

– Company name and address including your postcode
– Delivery address (if applicable)
– Your contact details such as phone number, mobile number and email address
– Details of the item(s) you would like to order

Our Aftercare team also provide support for consumables such as print heads, ribbons and inks, service and maintenance, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and extended warranty policies.

How does Thermal Transfer (TTO) technology work?

TTO is a contact print process that is able to print high-quality codes at excellent resolution across a range of flexible packaging materials. The process uses thermal energy to transfer ink from a carrier material (e.g. ribbon) to the packaging material. The process is very clean and versatile.

The process allows for printing directly onto packaging media and is therefore efficient in terms of process and material costs.

What is the print area for a Zodiac?
Zodiac Hawk

Intermittent mode: 53mm (W) x 75mm (L)

Continuous mode: 53mm (W) x 200mm (L)

Zodiac Eagle

Intermittent mode: 107mm (W) x 75mm (L)

Continuous mode: 107mm (W) x 200mm (L)

Zodiac Falcon

Intermittent mode: 32mm (W) x 75mm (L)

Continuous mode: 32mm (W) x 200mm (L)

What OEM machinery can the Zodiac integrate with?

The Zodiac range can easily integrate with OEM packaging machinery. Our design team hold a library of over a thousand successful integration solutions, covering an extensive range of OEM packaging machinery, including:

  • HFFS Flowrappers
  • VFFS Baggers
  • Thermoformers
  • Traysealers
  • Sleevers
  • Sachet Machinery
  • Netting Machinery
  • Label Applicators
  • Bag Making Machines
  • Roll-stock machines
  • Banding machines
Is zero downtime or auto-changeover available with the Zodiac?

Yes. This can be achieved by setting up a Parent Zodiac and up to three Zodiac Child printers (Zero Downtime module required depending on the application) to ensure no printer downtime on the packaging line.

What’s the difference between a genuine ICE printhead and a third party printhead?

Genuine ICE printheads are marked with a label to quickly identify that they are genuine ICE parts. There are a number of third-party suppliers offering modified parts, claiming that they are genuine when they are not. The fake items are modified by drilling additional holes into the heatsink of the device. This creates a substantial risk of damaging the electronic components within the device. Modified parts also reduce print quality, printhead life and invalidate the warranty on your ICE coder.

What daily maintenance does the Zodiac require?

The Zodiac Range is designed to require very little maintenance, particularly compared to competitor products.

To maintain print quality it is recommended that the printhead is cleaned at every ribbon change using printhead wipes. For details on how to clean a Zodiac printhead, please watch the tutorial here.

Keeping the Zodiac printhead clean and the machine generally free of debris is the only routine maintenance required to keep the Zodiac running in top condition. Further information can be found in the Zodiac Operator Manual.