GSMS ATLAS HEADS FOR WORLD DOMINATION

Data capture and label specialists GSM Printer and Label Systems (GSM PLS) is revolutionising the automotive industry with the launch of ATLAS, its Automotive Trackside Labelling System.

ATLAS is designed to replace the old metal identification plates with a new thermal transfer labelling solution that is cheaper and smaller. GSM PLS decided to officially launch ATLAS following a fantastic response from current users. The trackside printing system has already been installed at 14 sites across Europe for some of the worlds best-known automotive manufacturers.

GSM Printer & Label Systems was approached by motor manufacturers as part of the GSM Group, It has been supplying the automotive industry for more than 65 years, and is the only company in the UK capable of providing this type of solution.

GSM PLS spent nine months working with its sister company, GSM Primographic, to produce the labels that can be produced to manufacturers specifications, including the most aggressive under bonnet tests. The labels meet EU regulation 76/114/EEC 18/12/75, can withstand seven hours in brake fluid, and as they are tamper evident it is obvious if they are removed from a vehicle. This means they can achieve a Thatcham score.

GSM PLS designed the system to have two thermal transfer printers. This means that in the rare case of a malfunction, production can continue and an alarm sounds to alert operators. The workstations have touch screens and are individually encased in fork truck-proof metal enclosures, supplied by another sister company GSM Valtech.

General manager of GSM Printer & Label Systems Martin Cameron said: Using the skills available within our group we have been able to keep the development of this solution in-house and therefore have full control to make sure that every aspect works together perfectly.

ATLAS offers considerable cost savings compared to laser engraving or embossing. It is a fraction of the size of the traditional systems and is six per cent of the cost. By officially launching it, we hope to expand its use to many more automotive manufacturers and first tier suppliers.

ATLAS can receive information from any Build Control System and produce the relevant labels. If required it will interface any other production systems sending errors and warning information back.

GSM Printer and Label Systems specialises in providing label printing, bar coding and data capture solutions to a wide range of industries. The GSM Group is one of Europes largest manufacturers of printed labels and nameplates in metal and plastics and has manufacturing sites in Wales, Oxford and Yorkshire.