How to Protect a SATO Industrial Printer

Operate SATO industrial printers around the clock with the right protection for your environment. SATO’s CL4NX Plus and CL6NX Plus deliver fast, future-ready printing across industries. By using protective enclosures, you ensure long-term performance and reliability in dusty areas, washdown zones, and extreme temperatures.

Learn how to choose the right SATO label printer protection for your environment.

When To Protect SATO Industrial Printers

SATO printers perform well in most dry industrial settings with minimal airborne debris. However, in more demanding environments, added protection is essential. Evaluate the need for additional protection based on the environment, application, and placement:

Environment

SATO label printers are not waterproof, so added protection is critical in washdown areas. Even when direct washdowns aren’t required, moisture and high humidity can damage printheads and warp label reels. A waterproof printer enclosure provides a solution, housing your printer in a climate-controlled, NEMA 4X rated cabinet – ideal for food processing and pharmaceutical environments.

Protection is also necessary in areas with significant airborne particulates, such as milling plants or metal fabrication workshops where grinding and cutting generate heavy dust. Fine particles can damage unprotected printers, leading to downtime, lost productivity, and costly repairs. In these cases, a mild steel printer enclosure with an IP54 rating prevents dust ingress and keeps your equipment running reliably.

Application

Protecting your printer is vital if your operations involve high-volume or continuous label printing. When uptime is critical, downtime due to printer failure can lead to missed deadlines and lost revenue. An industrial printer enclosure helps maximize the longevity and reliability of your SATO printer, making it a valuable, long-term investment.

Position

Use a protective enclosure when the printer’s location on the shop floor exposes it to potential damage. A mild steel printer enclosure guards against physical impact when printers are installed near heavy machinery or other industrial hazards. Choose from wall mounted, stand mounted, or worktop enclosures to suit your setup. Mobile options with castor wheels are also available for safely relocating your SATO label printer as needed.

Introducing Armagard Industrial Printer Enclosures

Armagard SATO printer enclosures are constructed from 316 stainless steel or powder coated mild steel – never plastic. Unlike plastic housings, they provide the durability and hygiene required for industrial and washdown environments. Plastic enclosures degrade quickly and often result in higher long-term costs.

In clean industries, plastic enclosures fail to meet hygiene regulations. They are prone to damage and can harbor bacteria in surface scratches. Additionally, they warp or degrade at high temperatures, making steam cleaning impossible. In contrast, 316 stainless steel enclosures remain durable, hygienic, and suitable for rigorous cleaning processes.

Armagard’s steel enclosures offer years of dependable performance and a low total cost of ownership. Backed by a five year warranty and designed for a 10 year lifespan, each enclosure can protect multiple generations of printers – making it a smart and cost effective investment.

Choose from various models and specifications to meet your needs:

• Mild steel printer enclosures for dusty industrial areas
• NEMA 4X printer protection and waterproof printer enclosures for corrosive or wet environments
• Heated printer enclosures for cold storage and freezer applications

Each enclosure includes features that extend printer life and improve productivity:

• Lockable label window / magnetic access flap: Allows quick label retrieval without opening the main door, maintaining protection while supporting efficient workflows.
• Slide-out printer shelf: Provides easy access to the printhead, ribbon, roll, and settings without removing the printer.
• Positive airflow system: A recirculating fan helps control heat and humidity, preventing damage to the printhead.
• NEMA rated locks and door gaskets: Secure locks and closed-cell foam seals keep out water and fine dust, ensuring reliable enclosure performance.

Achieve reliable, 24/7 printing directly on your production floor. Enhanced printer reliability and extended lifespan support maximum operational uptime. Lifetime customer support provides long term assurance and protects your investment.

How to Choose the Right Level of Printer Protection

It’s important to select enclosure specifications suited to your environment:

Material

• 316 Stainless Steel: These waterproof printer enclosures are ideal for food processing and pharmaceutical applications. 316 stainless steel is antibacterial, highly resistant to corrosion, and suitable for jet washing and deep cleaning with harsh chemical agents.
• 304 Stainless Steel: Enclosures made from 304 stainless steel offer lower corrosion resistance and shorter lifespans compared to 316. They may degrade over time, increasing hygiene risks. Armagard does not use 304 stainless steel, as 316 offers superior durability, hygiene, and long term value.
• Powder Coated Mild Steel: Designed for use in workshops, warehouses, depots, and production lines, mild steel printer enclosures provide strong physical protection and dust resistance. They also support low pressure wipe down cleaning.
• ABS Plastic: Although low cost, plastic enclosures compromise protection. They fail to shield printers from typical industrial hazards, leaving equipment exposed to damage and increasing the likelihood of costly downtime. In most cases, they represent a false economy.

NEMA Rating

• NEMA 4X: Recommended for environments that require heavy washdown. NEMA 4X printer protection enclosures are easy to clean and meet strict hygiene standards.
• NEMA 4: Suitable for general manufacturing environments. NEMA 4 enclosures protect against airborne particulates, oil splashes, and light liquid exposure offering reliable protection for your SATO printers.

Climate Control and Security

• Internal Heating: For cold storage and freezer applications, Armagard’s heated printer enclosures protect SATO label printers in temperatures as low as -22°F.
• Recirculating Fans: For typical operating environments, an enclosure with a recirculating fan helps regulate internal temperature and humidity, ensuring consistent conditions for reliable printer performance.
• Security: Prevent unauthorized access with key-operated locks or request for turn-and-release handles for quicker access.

Why Choose Armagard?

More than 100,000 Armagard enclosures protect IT equipment and digital displays in over 50 countries. Our customers include leading companies in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and manufacturing industries.

You benefit from the confidence that comes with a trusted supplier:

• Over 30 years of industry experience
• In-house design, manufacturing, and testing
• A wide product range available worldwide
• Lifetime customer support
• Five-year warranty

Get in Touch to Learn More

Protect uptime and extend the lifespan of your SATO industrial printers. Contact Armagard to find the ideal printer protection solution for your application.

Call +1-866-434-0807 or complete a contact form today.