Catalyst Laser Label Marking System

FAQS

1. How much does the Catalyst V8 cost?
The Catalyst V8 is $8,995 USD (MSRP)
2. What is the imaging technology used in Catalyst?
Catalyst uses high-power, fiber-coupled laser diodes to image onto ultra-durable laser label substrates called Color Laser Film (“CLF”). Schreiner Pro-Tech makes the material
in Germany. CLF has a clear overlaminate on top of an imaging receptor surface that phase-changes when exposed to a 980nm, focused infrared laser beam. The resulting
image is a black background with white text and graphics, all underneath the protective clear lamination layer.
3. Can I get a more detailed description of CLF and how is it different from other durable label substrates?
Here is how Schreiner describes CLF in its product literature:
“Schreiner Color Laser Film (CLF) label stock is a high-grade polyester composite that is extremely resistant to environmental conditions and has outstanding adhesion
properties for rough industrial applications. A high-powered laser, in a zero-emissions process, can mark CLF labels. The laser-active layer below the transparent laminate
produces a high-contrast color reference layer for the inscription. The film surface remains undamaged with no ablation of film particles, creating a tough, highly
environment-resistant label.”
CLF labels have better resistance to the combination of I-JV light, liquids, chemicals, and abrasion than those produced by any other on-demand, desktop laser imaging
system, including resin thermal transfer printed onto polyester.

4. I’ve heard that lasers require replacement and that they are expensive. Is this true for Catalyst, too?
No, Catalyst doesn’t use the same type of lasers as others laser marking equipment Instead of expensive, shorter-lived C02 or Ng:YAG lasers, Catalyst’s solid state, laser
diodes are expected to last for the printer’s life – typically 5-7 years or more. If a replacement is ever required, the cost is only around $500 USD each, including labor. Laser
imaging print head modules are also available; cost is yet to be determined.
5. Is Catalyst compatible with ZPL (Zebra Programming Language)?
No. Like all of Primera’s printers, Catalyst is a raster-based printer. It requires a printer driver to be installed on a Windows PC. This makes Catalyst compatible with all current-
generation Windows PC’s and software.
6. Is Catalyst a wireless printer? What other interfaces are available?
Catalyst does not have built-in wireless but can be made into a wireless printer with a low-cost ($40 – $50 USD) Ethernet to Wireless adapter. Customer Care reps can email
you a list of currently-supported 3rd-party adapters.
Other supported interfaces include USB 2.0 and wired Ethernet for network connections.
7. Catalyst uses “high-power, fiber-coupled laser diodes for imaging”. That sounds scary. Is Catalyst safe?
Catalyst has been tested and approved for industrial laser imaging applications. It meets or exceeds all of the safety requirements of IJL, UL-C, CE, FDA/CDRH, and IEC 60825-
1. It is safe for office, warehouse, and factory use but not approved for home use as it is a Class A device under FCC Part 15. Many safety features are included, including dual
interlocks on the cover of the marking area.

8. In which countries is Catalyst available?
Catalyst is available worldwide, subject to the usual restrictions in certain countries regarding locally-required safety and emissions approvals, VAT, duties, taxes, etc.
9. What is the cost per label?
It varies by the size of the label. Because there’s no ink involved, only the CLF material cost needs to be calculated. Based upon Primera’s published MSRP prices, a standard
CLF label that measures 1″ x 4″ would cost approximately $0.135 (IJSD) each.
10. Can Catalyst print in color?
No, laser imaging on this material is a monochrome-only process. The labels will always have a black background with white lettering, graphics, and bar codes.
11. Does the unit come with software?
Yes, Catalyst ships with a free copy of BarTender@ UltraLite software. It generates almost every bar code ever invented, including 2D and 3D bar codes such as Datamatrix
and QR codes. For more advanced applications, Bar Tender Professional Edition is available. It allows connection to external databases, along with many other additional
features such as serialization. Integration to ERPs such as Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle@ and SAP@ is available through BarTender Enterprise Edition.
12. How long will the printed labels last outdoors?
Schreiner’s CLF materials are intended for long-term, indoor and outdoor use. Noticeable fading won’t be evident for many years. This makes CLF ideal for applications such
as solar panel serial tags, information and warning labels, VIN number plates, vehicle window stickers, utility boxes, and other applications where high durability and
resistance to UV light, liquids, chemicals, and other elements are essential. A 10-15 year life, or longer, is not unusual.