X1 DispenseJet: the best Automatic Label Dispenser for Variable Data Printing
Manufacturers often use pre-printed labels for logos, product names, instructions, and regulatory information. The challenge comes when production data changes from one run to the next.
- A food manufacturer may need a new lot number and Best By date each day.
- A contract packager may need different barcodes or customer information for each order.
- A parts manufacturer may need to add batch numbers, production dates, or serial numbers before a label is applied.
The X1 DispenseJet automatic label dispenser from AT Information Products combines label dispensing with high-resolution variable data printing in one system.
Instead of ordering a different pre-printed label for every variation, manufacturers can use standardized pre-printed or blank labels and print changing information as each label is dispensed.
Reduce Pre-Printed Label Inventory with On-Demand Printing
When variable information is built into a pre-printed label, every change can require a different label roll.
A manufacturer packaging the same product for multiple customers, for example, may need different product IDs, barcodes, lot numbers, or dates for each run. That can mean stocking several versions of an otherwise identical label.
X1 DispenseJet allows manufacturers to keep fixed information, such as branding, product details, and regulatory content, on one common label while the integrated Markoprint X1Jet adds the changing data during production.
What Can the X1 DispenseJet Automatic Label Dispenser Print?
Variable data can include:
- Lot code number and batch code numbers
- Production dates
- Best By and expiration dates
- Serial numbers
- Product IDs
- Linear barcodes
- 2D codes
- GS1 Barcodes
- Customer-specific information
For example, a food label may already contain the product name, logo, ingredients, nutrition information, and other fixed content. X1 DispenseJet can then add:
LOT: A260831
BEST BY: 08/31/27
For the next production run, the operator updates the print message rather than ordering another version of the pre-printed label.
One base label. Different data for each production run.
Use Pre-Printed or Blank Labels
The X1 DispenseJet label dispenser can work with both pre-printed and blank labels.
Pre-Printed Labels
Pre-printed labels make sense when most of the label stays the same.
Fixed information can include:
- Logos and branding
- Product descriptions
- Instructions
- Regulatory information
- Standard graphics
X1 DispenseJet then prints only the information that changes during production.
This is useful for manufacturers that want to keep professionally pre-printed branding while avoiding separate label versions for changing production data.
Blank Labels
Blank labels provide more flexibility when more of the label needs to change.
A contract packager, for example, may run several products or customer orders throughout the day. Instead of keeping a different pre-printed label for each job, the operation can use blank labels and generate the required information as needed.
Blank labels can be useful for:
- Short production runs
- Private-label products
- Contract packaging
- Customer-specific orders
- Frequently changing products
- Multiple versions of the same basic label
Make Product Changeovers Easier
Frequent product changes can make label management time-consuming.
An operator finishing Product A and starting Product B may need to find the correct label roll, replace the existing roll, verify the artwork, and confirm that the correct production information is being used.
When products can share the same base label, X1 DispenseJet allows operators to update the variable print message instead.
Change the data instead of changing the entire label.
This can be especially useful for facilities running multiple SKUs, shorter batches, or customer-specific production runs.
Automatic Label Dispensing and Printing in One System
Manual labeling may involve several separate steps:
Peel the label → Add variable information → Verify the code → Apply the label
X1 DispenseJet combines printing and dispensing into one process:
Variable data printing → Automatic label dispensing → Product application
As the label moves through the system, the integrated Markoprint X1Jet prints the required information and the finished label is presented to the operator for application.
This eliminates the need to manually peel labels and use a separate process to add changing production information.
Configure X1 DispenseJet for Your Labeling Needs
X1 DispenseJet is available with either a ½-inch or 1-inch printhead, allowing manufacturers to match the print area to their application.
The ½-inch option works well for basic production codes and shorter lines of text, while the 1-inch printhead provides more room for larger characters, multiple lines, barcodes, and more detailed variable data.
X1 DispenseJet is especially useful for operations that are:
- Managing multiple versions of similar labels
- Adding lot or date codes to pre-printed labels
- Manually peeling and marking labels
- Running frequent product changeovers
- Producing short or customer-specific runs
- Using separate equipment for printing and dispensing
By combining the right print height with on-demand variable data printing, manufacturers can reduce unnecessary label versions and generate the information they need as each label is dispensed.
Simplify Label Dispensing and Variable Data Printing
The X1 DispenseJet automatic label dispenser brings label dispensing and variable data printing together in one compact system.
For operations managing multiple label versions, frequent production changes, or manual labeling, it provides a practical way to reduce label inventory and print the information needed for each run.
Dispense the label. Print the data. Apply it to the product.
Learn more about X1 DispenseJet from AT Information Products and see how integrated label dispensing and variable data printing can fit into your production process.
By combining the right print height with on-demand variable data printing, manufacturers can reduce unnecessary label versions and generate the information they need as each label is dispensed.
