Compact thermal printer goes on and on: News from Able Systems

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Available now from Able Systems is the ELM224, an ultracompact 24V thermal printer mechanism from APS. Designed for point-of-sale applications and other data terminals in diverse locations, the 'easy load' printer includes several features to simplify cover design, allowing easy servicing to enhance reliability over an extended lifetime. Most significantly the ELM224 features low current consumption which means that OEM system costs (printer and power supply) are lower.

The door-mounted rubber roller is designed to float in relation to the printer cover, yet locates firmly in the chassis when the host door is closed.

This enhances reliability and easy loading, and allows greater freedom when designing the cover.

The centered paper path also allows uniform and aesthetic housing design.

The ELM224's patented easy load mechanism minimises stresses on the cover, and allows easy replenishment of the paper roll without requiring access to the cover's sides.

Mechanical examples included in supporting documentation also make cover design easier.

Overall width of the mechanism is 66.7mm, giving an active print width of 48mm.

The recommended paper roll is 58mm width KF50-HDA type.

The printer's total depth is 22.4mm, satisfying space-critical applications, and the assembly weighs just 35g.

Print resolution is 8dot/mm, enabling printing of fonts, logos, images and special characters in a wide range of commercial and industrial applications.

The ELM224 also includes an end of paper indicator triggered by a phototransistor.

The 384 dot head includes thermistor temperature monitoring to keep the print head temperature constant at 65C, even during continuous printing.

Dynamic electronic controls maintain optimum print quality at maximum paper feed speed.

A single flexible cable carries all control and data signals.

Lifetime of the thermal print head is 100 million pulses and abrasion life is 50km, which extends the service life in applications demanding frequent or repeated printing.

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