Afinia Label, a manufacturer and distributor of industrial color label printing and finishing equipment, has announced the release of the company’s L502 color label printer.

The Afinia Label L502 color label printer produces vivid, full-color labels at up to 8.5″ wide using interchangeable pigment- and dye-based ink sets. Converters can print efficiently and reliably with the L502’s proven HP Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) technology, the company says.

Recent improvements to the L502’s firmware allow for over 2x faster printing as compared to the original L501 printer. The improved print speed does not sacrifice color vibrancy or print quality.

The heavy-duty construction of the L502 color label printer includes an all-steel industrial cover, a window for print bed visibility and status monitoring and improved sensors, which allow for higher compatibility with specialty media such as reflective metallic material. It is also available in a fanfold-compatible version (F502) with the same build quality.

Improvements extend to the L502 color label printer toolbox, allowing for increased control, including Pause and Cut functions. Firmware upgrades can also now be easily performed.

The L502 has been tested and certified to produce BS 5609-compliant and GHS (Globally Harmonized System) labels, which helps keep chemical manufacturers in compliance with packaging and transportation requirements. This testing evaluates the permanence of the print through abrasion and submersion in salt water for a period of 90 days.

“The L502 is an example of Afinia’s dedication to continuing to innovate and improve digital label printing for organizations of any size and need,” says Mike Atkins, national sales manager at Afinia Label. “The L502 offers ease of use, high-end print quality, water- and chemical-resistant pigment inks, and a robust construction ensuring durability of the printer and the printed label.”

In addition to its high-durability pigment inks, the L502 is compatible with dye inks that give labels maximum color vibrancy. The L502 is best suited for small- to medium-sized print runs. It can print large labels with a media width up to 8.65″ (219.7 mm) wide. The L502 uses separate CMYK ink cartridges that contribute to a lower cost per label and reduce ink waste.