Weighing a hefty 120 pounds and built with a large direct thermal printhead, the 9550 labeling machine is the latest print and apply system released by Videojet. The Videojet 9550 is built with a focus on secondary packaging applications and is marketed as an alternative to other large character marking technologies such as high-resolution case coders and hot melt wax thermal printers. As a result, it is rarely used for tertiary packaging purposes and instead is made to label shrink-wrapped product bundles, shipping cartons, and miscellaneous porous boxes. 

Videojet makes a lot of bold claims in its promotional materials regarding the 9550’s performance capabilities. Using words like “revolutionary,” the product brochures for the 9550 essentially guarantee increased productivity and no missed labels during operation. However, how well does the Videojet 9550 deliver on these promises?

In this product breakdown, we explore different applications of the Videojet 9550 print and apply labeling machine, profile its strengths, and reflect on whether it’s a truly viable alternative to in-line large character marking machines. 

The Videojet 9550’s Application Specialties

As mentioned above, the 9550 was designed with secondary packaging applications in mind. Although it’s capable of labeling pallets and other forms of bulk tertiary packaging, the 9550’s speed and “Intelligent Motion” technology make it ideal for in-line case labeling. 

However, this isn’t out of the ordinary for a print and apply system. Although automated tertiary labeling is a great asset, we estimate that less than 10% of the label applicator market exclusively focuses on tertiary applications. What sets the 9550 apart from other print and apply labelers?

Videojet’s goal in designing the 9550 was to produce a PALM (print and apply labeling machine) system that is more reliable than traditional print and apply labelers and is simpler to operate. To achieve this, the 9550 has several unique design choices that set it apart from its competitors. More specifically, Videojet’s designers chose to:

• Consolidate all user interfaces into one easy-to-use touchscreen that replicates the experience of other printer technologies in the portfolio.
• Remove all components that could slip loose or require manual adjustments (e.g., rewind belts, slipping clutches, and nip rollers).
• Eliminate mechanical applicators to make label jams virtually impossible.

Dubbed “Intelligent Motion” technology by Videojet, these design features provide users with an intuitive operating experience that is free of jams and mechanical adjustments. Furthermore, by foregoing the use of a mechanical applicator, the 9550 can directly apply labels moments after they come out of the system’s thermal transfer overprinter (TTO). This operating principle not only eliminates the possibility of a label jam but also allows the 9550 to label substrates at speeds up to 500mm/sec for a max total of 150 packs per minute.

The Videojet 9550 Print and Apply Labeling Machine vs. Large Character Marking Systems

The 9550’s speed and design features all but guarantee extended periods of sustained uptime. Common points of frustration, such as mechanical failures, label jams, and belt tension, are minimized to the point where they rarely (if ever) occur. Consequently, users can maintain peak productivity for longer periods and reduce the need for regular maintenance. 

While the Videojet 9550 print and apply labeling machine is a well-developed PALM system, we still need to consider how it compares to traditional large character marking hardware. Videojet positions the 9550 as an improvement over options like high-resolution case coders and TTO machines; however, do the facts back up this claim?

For the most part, yes. However, you will pay the price. VideoJet’s itemized quote line items out each piece, including the operator manual. As the premium price leader, you can expect to pay $15,850 for the entry model without software or an operator manual. The 9550 offers labeling speeds that surpass many TTO machines and high-resolution case coders (when they’re printing at machine-scannable DPI levels). The 9550 also has an advantage in label sizing, as even the best case coders on the market generally top out at print heights around 4 inches. Meanwhile, the 9550 is compatible with 6-inch printheads, which enables users to create large labels with stark images and clear, legible information.

Additionally, the Videojet 9550 isn’t just capable of labeling cardboard boxes and shipping cartons—it’s also frequently used to label shrink-wrapped product packs, an application that case coders can’t provide. As a result, the Videojet 9550 has enjoyed popularity in several industries, including:

• Agricultural production.
• Food packaging.
• Beverage bottling/canning.
• Pharmaceutical development.

If you’re searching for a quality PALM system or an alternative to large character printing, the Videojet 9550 print and apply labeling machine is worth checking out.

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