Bixolon has launched its latest kiosk printer in Europe, which can print tickets, wristbands and labels in a range of widths, and is aimed primarily at the transport, hospitality and government sectors.
Demand for self-service printing options is growing in a variety of sectors currently. As businesses seek solutions that don’t require a member of staff to operate – but can also print to various lengths – printer manufacturers are responding to this need.
To this end, Bixolon Europe GmbH has launched its new BK5-31 3-inch (80mm) thermal kiosk printer mechanism in Europe.
Product details
The BK5-31 printer supports a media thickness of up to 0.20mm; and selectable media widths of 83/80/60/58/20mm; which is typically integrated into appropriate kiosk applications. The benefit of its range of media widths enables this printer to be used for printing the likes of tickets, wristbands and labelling.
This makes the printer ideal for custom self-service kiosk solutions and can be used for self-labelling kiosks, coupons or vouchers at casinos, parking tickets and more, according to Bixolon.
The BK5-31 provides printing speeds of up to 150mm/sec at 203dpi. Featuring multi-position near-end sensors that allow organisations deploying this printer to efficiently monitor the status of the paper it prints. This also enables organisations to minimise maintenance resources required to manage this printer, if and when maintenance is required, and for the printer and staff to stay productive.
In addition, the BK5-31 mechanism is functional across extreme environments, as it can operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +60°C – meaning it can be located in a wide range of environments. Offering a side open frame for easy media loading, plus power and reset switches located on both sides, the BK5-31 enables easy mounting in compact spaces regardless of the orientation.
This kiosk printer comes with diverse connectivity options including USB (B type or 4-pin connector), serial (9-pin male or 5-pin connector), Power (DC Jack or 2-pin connector) that facilitates easy integration and the transfer of vast data without causing delays during printing.
Designed for flexibility
“This printer has been designed to be flexible and compatible to install and use across many kinds of kiosk scenarios,” says explains Jay Kim, managing director, Bixolon Europe GmbH.
“It’s user-centred design offers customers a wide variety of media options and considers all the important requirements that an organisation needs to bear in mind when integrating these kinds of printers into their kiosks and self-service systems. This makes it the perfect solution for ticket and label printing within the transportation, hospitality and government sectors.”
Competitive price point
Jay adds that the BK5-31 has been priced competitively. “The key thing is that the BK5-31 open frame mechanism printer is not over engineered, which is reflected in the price point,” he says. “Aimed primarily at kiosk builders and system integrators, its compact size can be used for a number of configurations to even fit into sleek,
modern kiosks.”
He adds that, due to the nature of the product being an open frame kiosk printer, there are limitations when selling it with add-ons. “However, the BK5-31 can be bundled with screens, or payment devices which are used to build a complete kiosk system,” he says. “Plus, resellers can upsell with media which can be supplied on a regular basis.”
“Compared to alternatives on the market, the BIXOLON BK5-31 is a cost-effective kiosk printing solution within its class.”
AT-A-GLANCE: BIXOLON BK5-31 FEATURES:
• Selectable media widths of 83/80/60/58/20mm
• Printing speeds of up to 150mm/sec at 203dpi
• Can operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +60°C
• Side open frame for easy media loading
• Easy mounting in compact spaces
• Connectivity options including USB (B type or 4-pin connector), serial (9-pin male or 5-pin connector), Power (DC Jack or 2-pin connector)
TIPS FOR RESELLERS
For resellers seeking to sell the BK5-31, there are a variety of features they should be highlighting to customers, according to Jay.
“This product is primarily aimed at kiosk builders and systems integrators,” he notes. “The printer offers thicker media printing capabilities as it can print onto media such as receipt, ticket, label and wristbands of up to 0.20mm thick without the need to reconfigure between media changes. The only time when a possible reconfiguration is needed is if there are changes to do with the sensors such as black mark for labelling or the ability for continuous printing.
“As a compact solution, the BK5-31 can easily integrate into different kiosk configurations with a large paper roll for unattended systems.
“It is available with a number of optional extras which can be added onsite and there is a choice of four standard bezels.”
But Jay notes that the LED presenter needs to be pre-ordered as a factory option.
The BK5-31 is ideal for self-service kiosks, Jay adds. “The printer is highly versatile for retail transactions, hospitality ordering, parking, visitor labelling, reverse vending, self-service logistics and more.”
Editor’s View
Bixolon’s new BK5-31 has hit the market at an opportune time. The market for printer solutions that can print a range of different widths at the touch of a button is expanding, and this will provide competition for established products in
the sector.
The range of applications the printer has – from parking to self-service logistics to retail – means it will appeal to businesses in a wide range of sectors, making it a good addition to resellers’ ranges.
The BX5-31’s competitive price point should also help to make it a good seller too – for many businesses in retail, logistics and other sectors margins are still tight, so price is a major consideration.
