Mimaki has announced a new development in the Internet of Things (IoT) with its Digital Printing Connection, which includes MDL commands and Job Controller solutions. They aim to help users incorporate Mimaki printers into production lines for unattended on-demand production and mass customisation through communication with robots, conveyor belts, inspection devices, sensors and other peripheral equipment.
MDL commands are used to control Mimaki printers from customer production systems and through peripheral devices. They manage printer operation, including commencing print production and adjusting the position and height of the print substrate table. They also provide information on remaining ink amounts and errors from the printer side.
Mimaki Job Controller is a software that communicates with the printer for transmission of optimal printing data and printing conditions. It also automatically starts production, connects a printer and a robot in a production line to feed print jobs using a conveyor and collects the printed items after printing.
Bert Benckhuysen, product manager at Mimaki Europe, explained, ‘The Digital Printing Connection enables unmanned operation. It helps simplify and streamline processes by allowing printers that mostly act as stand-alone systems, to be connected to peripheral equipment. The approach supports on-demand production and mass customisation.’
For customers using MDL commands, an optimum system can be built using Mimaki’s Software Development Kit, which is available for download from the Mimaki Global website.
Graphix Supply World +27215115340 marketing@gsw.co.za www.gsw.co.za
