January 1, 2003, MINNEAPOLIS, MN-Leader Coding and Marking Solutions, a leading manufacturer of superior quality inks and ink jet printing equipment, today introduces the new Ranger hi-resolution ink jet printing system. The Ranger is an affordable new solution for printing high quality marks on a variety of products. The Ranger is available as either an oil-based system for printing on porous surfaces like corrugated cases, or as a solvent-based system for printing on non-porous products like plastics, PET bottles, PVC pipe, metals and foils, blister packs, coated corrugate or more.

Ranger users can print up to four lines of text on any porous or non-porous surface. No matter what product needs to be printed, Ranger has the functionality to get the job done right.

Using industry proven shared-wall piezo technology, Ranger offers better print quality than competitive dot-matrix CIJ (continuous ink jet) or hi-resolution printing systems. With 128 addressable jets per printhead, Ranger boasts 180 dpi print resolution. The result is a system that produces razor-sharp text, scannable bar codes, and the cleanest logos and graphics of any industrial ink-jet printing system on the market.

Ranger is designed to work as an integral part of users' day-to-day packaging operation. A state-of-the-art input device provides quick and easy message programming and retrieval for up to 128 different messages. Resident software in the input device walks the user through a series of prompts to program and save each message for printing on demand.

The Ranger is engineered inside and out for industrial strength operation. Heavy-duty cabinetry and printhead bracketry ensure continuous operation in the most abusive industrial environments. Gasket seals and protected data connections make the Ranger splash-proof and resistant to dust. In addition, the Ranger was designed as a modular system. Quick and easy-to-install replacement printheads, circuit boards and ink system modules minimize downtime and eliminate service calls. A fix can be completed in less than 5 minutes.

For users who have wanted to begin coding their products or expand their operation, but felt their budget restricted them from doing so, the Ranger offers a new level of economy. As the newest addition to Leader's family of marking and coding systems, the Ranger makes industrial ink jet printing totally accessible for a broader range of applications. Ranger also utilizes ink manufactured directly by Leader. This eliminates multiple layers of distribution currently associated with product marking and saves money.

The Ranger is available now through Leader's worldwide network of resellers. Sales inquiries should be directed to Marketing Manager, Leader Coding and Marking Solutions, 1173 Osborne Road, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432. 763-398-1795.

Leader specializes in the manufacture of superior quality inks and ink jet printing equipment for the packaging and product marking industry. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Leader also has manufacturing and product development facilities in Anaheim, CA and Arlington, TX.