New Zealand’s Jetstick is seeking European distributors for a new air-applied label applicator claimed to be unique.

A specialist in labeller manufacture for global fruit producers, Jetstick has worked alongside Intermec to perfect the JIA (Jetstick Industrial Applicator), designed for “clipping” onto existing thermal and other printers such as Intermec’s PM4i via a baseplate. In operation, the printer presents the printed label under the JIA “air-amplifier” which “very accurately propels” it onto package or carton. Labels up to 100 x 100mm can be applied.

Jetstick says the JIA offers users a “fast, accurate, low-cost, live-time” print and apply option. Having originally developed it for fruit labelling, the firm now plans targeting it at the processed food and “general industrial goods” sectors.

Marketing manager Rick Hannay says: “The patented applicator differs from any similar technology in being based on a double acting air amplifier which simplifies and enhances application while reducing air consumption. The air-shot application system also enables label incorporation onto irregularly-shaped and sized packs.