Probably more than would ever be needed. Although the software is normally set to a default of 10,000 inches or 250 meters, each machine could be set to mark to almost one million inches or millimetres in one length.

CAPRIS wire markers are very flexible, particularly compared to old hot stamp technology where it is impractical to change the code being printed. CAPRIS markers mark one character at a time and so the text can be changed almost continuously down the length of the wire "on-the-fly". This enables each machine to mark at least three different types of label – the Main code, and the Source and Destination (SD) codes; the latter can be used to mark connector and pin codes to at the wire ends to help route the wire without referring to wiring diagrams or manuals. Bar codes can also be marked on wires to provide access to manufacturing databases.

The inter label, or mark spacing is variable and controlled via the operating software. The minimum spacing is about 25mm (1inch) and the maximum 1000mm (39inch).

Example of the spacings that can be set are shown below:

Mark Spacing Diagram

SD end distance = distance from the end of the wire to the first mark
SD end spacing = Source/Destination code spacing
ID end distance = distance from the end of the wire to the first main identity code
ID end spacing = identity code spacing at the wire ends, typically set for the first last 3 ft/1 metre
ID mid zone spacing = identity code spacing in the central section of the wire, typically used where wires are over 6 ft/2 metres in length.

NB: it has been an historical practice for some manufacturers to increase the spacing between the codes on longer wires, typically over 6 ft/2 metres in length, where they could increase the distance in the mid zone. The original reason for doing this was because the hot stamp marking process is very slow because it employs a contact marking process; this requires that the wire is stationary when marked. To mark at continuous close (3 inch/75 mm) spacing down the whole length of the wire would be very time consuming. To speed up the hot stamping machines, manufacturers typically increase the spacing between codes on longer wires to 18 inches/380 mm in the mid zone.

Laser marking is a high speed non-contact process, there is little or no advantage to the manufacturer in increasing the mid zone spacing. On the other hand by maintaining continuous 3 inch/75 mm code spacing down the length of all wires enables manufacturers to comply in full with key end user specifications, such as MIL5088/AS50881, and will greatly facilitate maintenance activities.

CAPRIS wire markers have at least two standard sizes of font – 1.0mm x 0.7mm (0.039" x 0.028") for small font for use on small gauge wires down to 26 AWG, and larger fonts up to 1.6mm x 1.2mm (0.063" x 0.047") for large gauge wires. Special sizes of font can be produced if required. Vertical or horizontal font can be printed on any machine.

Each CAPRIS system has a mask containing the full Alpha-Numeric set plus some special characters including - / * + $. See the individual product specifications for full details. Special character sets can be produced on request.

Yes, the CAPRIS 60-200 and CAPRIS 100 wire markers are both barcode capable. We can also provide a special barcode reader that has been developed to read the barcodes (most normal barcode readers have problems because of the small size of the barcode on the wires). This can be further linked to Integrated Electronic Data Management software packages such as SATURN V.

The CAPRIS 50-300, CAPRIS 60-200 and CAPRIS 100 model ranges have in-built Knot & Splice detection systems. Should a knot or splice enter the cable handler the machine is stopped and a warning message displayed to the operator.

All of the CAPRIS range of wire markers have the capability to run in "Batch" mode. That is, all of the label, spacing and wire length information is only typed in once and then stored. This may be on a floppy disc, on the system hard drive, or alternatively the information can be directly downloaded from a remote manufacturing database into the system PC.

The machines have at least three levels of access each controlled by a password – level 1 is for Operator access, level 2 is for System Supervisor access and Level 3 is for engineering access.

No problem! All of the CAPRIS systems are designed to be network compatible. Also, if the database is not in an acceptable format for the CAPRIS system, our IT Team can provide customised software conversion packages.

All the latest operating systems are supported by the CAPRIS range. This includes Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, NT and XP.

Spectrum provides two levels of training. At the time of installation Level 1 training is provided. This consists of full operator training and routine maintenance of the machine for technicians. Level 2 covers all repair and maintenance of the machine. The Level 2 course can be carried out at customer sites or at Spectrum Technologies’ factory.

Spectrum Technologies manufactures a range of ancillary equipment such as De-reelers, Re-reelers, asutomated Coiling Pans, Coil & Tie, Stackers, Label Printers, Automatic Select and Load etc. If you have a special requirement please discuss this with our Sales team.