PTNX Printronix (MM)

Printronix Inc. (NASDAQ:PTNX), a global leader of integrated supply-chain printing solutions, today expanded its successful SmartLine (SL) portfolio of printer/encoders with the introduction of the SL4M. With this, Printronix records another industry first: The SL4M is the first midrange, industrial-grade metal printer/encoder designed for global Class 1 Gen 2 ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID applications. It is interoperable with Printronix�s MP2 family of high-performance SL5000r RFID printers and SLPA8000r RFID printer applicators. �For major retailers, manufacturers and distribution centers around the world, the SL4M offers the most cost-effective RFID solution with its patented MP2 encoding technology,� said Robert Kleist, president and chief executive officer, Printronix. �With more UHF RFID installations than any other manufacturer, Printronix�s encoding platform demonstrates the industry�s highest read-and-encode yield-performance rates, according to user feedback, and offers the widest breadth of tag support.� Ready for Widespread RFID Printing Adoption The SL4M offers customers more choices in printer/encoders based on applications and production requirements. The SL4M also is available in a field-upgradeable, RFID-ready thermal printer model and does not require a factory return for RFID conversion. The SL4M can integrate seamlessly into almost any bar code printing environment with support for six printer languages and direct XML printing for either 203 or 305 dpi resolution. Its unique user-friendly, icon-driven graphic interface offers easy configuration and installation. Offering up to twice the memory as other products in its class, the SL4M has 32MB RAM and 8MB Flash for faster processing and label storage. The SL4M�s metal printer design makes its Printronix heritage unmistakable with built-in quality and reliable performance for mission-critical applications. Label Interoperability With the widest breadth of Class 1 Gen 2 UHF tag support and superior encoding performance, the SL4M�s advanced tag calibration allows users to experiment with new tags and inlays and deplete existing media inventory of non-standard tag positions. �When Printronix launched the industry�s first commercially available multi-protocol UHF RFID printer/encoder with the SL series, we gave our customers and partners the ability to leverage RFID printing solutions that removed the major barriers to adoption,� said Jose Basa, senior business specialist, RFID, Printronix. �Today, Printronix becomes the first to offer certified Gen 2 hardware compliance with label interoperability throughout the entire family of thermal barcode printer/encoders and automated encoder printer/applicators.� With the SL4M, Printronix has once again set industry pace by eliminating customer-adoption barriers while lowering the cost of operation. Operations will have the ability to standardize on interoperable label specifications around the globe for applications that range from high-speed automation down to cost-effective convenience encoding regardless of their environments. Patented Encoding Technology Delivers Elevated Performance Levels The SL4M�s patented MP2 encoding technology consists of three unique components that raise the performance standards: EPCglobal-certified hardware encoders � This comprehensive test bed developed by Printronix ensures that the encoder will perform in a reliable and predictable manner in a production environment. Multi-position coupler � Unlike an antenna, the Printronix-patented coupler isolates and links directly with individual tags while the multiple positions allow the coupler to move to the best position for Gen 2 tags that do not emit an evenly distributed RF field. RF printer firmware � With the most practical experience with UHF EPC implementations, the Printronix firmware ties the thermal printer, coupler and encoder together to ensure that all three work in concert to deliver the best performance with the widest Class 1 Gen 2 tag support. With the SL4M, customers will benefit from the internal 10/100 Base-T Ethernet connectivity and PrintNet remote management and control, which comes standard with the printer. The SL4M also features Unicode with TrueType font support for worldwide compliance requirements and local printing needs. Pricing and Availability The SL4M builds upon the most trusted brand in the industry for multi-protocol UHF RFID printer/encoders. The SL4M has regional certification for global implementation today and is available from Printronix through its network of certified channel partners in North and South America; Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA); and the Asia-Pacific region. The SL4M base price is US$3,695; regional pricing will vary based on currency fluctuation. Visit www.rfid.printronix.com to locate a local Printronix reseller. About Printronix Inc. Since 1974, Printronix Inc. (NASDAQ:PTNX) has created innovative printing solutions for the industrial marketplace and supply chain. The company is the worldwide market leader in enterprise solutions for line matrix printing and has earned an outstanding reputation for its high-performance thermal bar-code and fanfold laser printing solutions. Printronix also has become an established leader in pioneering technologies, including radio frequency identification (RFID) printing, bar-code compliance and networked printer management. Printronix is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. For company information, see www.printronix.com.