EPP

Overview

The Hobart EPP-3 Access Prepack Printer is the printer component of Hobart’s Access Prepack System. Hobart describes Access Prepack Systems as combinations of stand-alone scales, consoles and printers commonly used with NGW, CLAS and Hand Wrap Stations. The EPP-3 prints prepack labels for food products handled at wrap stations and packaging lines. A retailer also describes it as compatible with Hobart cling, film and foil cutters.

The printer works as part of a larger labeling setup rather than as a complete weighing and wrapping station by itself. In a listed Access Hand-Wrap System configuration, the EPP-3 is paired with a control panel, weigher, platter and post assembly kit. These are system components or accessories, not parts identified as built into the EPP-3.

Key Features

• High-resolution label printing: Hobart specifies an 8 dot/mm printhead and a print speed of 125 mm/second.
• Label format options: The Access Prepack System specification lists 1.5-, 2.25- and 3-inch-wide labels up to 4 inches long for auto-apply.
• Prepack system integration: The EPP-3 is identified as the Access Prepack printer and is included in Hobart’s Hand-Wrap System configurations.
• Operator and product information: Access Prepack System functions include operator notes and product notes, product and shelf life by day or hour, and search by product description or nearest PLU number. These are system capabilities; the source does not identify them as printer-only controls.
• Supervisor functions: The Access Prepack System can create COOL records on the scale and back up its database to a USB drive. Its USB port can support an external keyboard or USB drive.
• Optional system kits: Hobart lists the ACCESS-HWSKIT Hand Wrap Station Kit and ACCESS-SAKIT Stand Alone Kit as accessories available at extra cost.

Specifications

• Model: EPP-3 Access Prepack Printer.
• Manufacturer: Hobart.
• Printhead: 8 dots per mm.
• Print speed: 125 mm/second, as stated in the Hobart Access Prepack System specification.
• Label widths: 1.5, 2.25 and 3 inches.
• Maximum label length: Up to 4 inches for auto-apply labels.
• Electrical: 120/60/1, 1.25 amps, 150 watts.
• Weight: 26.05 pounds shipping weight.
• Listed system applications: NGW, CLAS and Hand Wrap Stations.
• Compatibility note: The product listing states that the EPP-3 cannot be used with CLA.

Installation & Requirements

Hobart specifies the EPP-3 at 120 volts, 60 hertz, single phase, drawing 1.25 amps and 150 watts. The Access Prepack System operator manual states that a power cord is located at the back of the printer. The manual also says the scale should be installed and moved only by qualified Hobart Service Technicians; this instruction applies to the scale in the system and should not be read as a separate printer installation procedure.

The Access Prepack System manual gives an operating temperature range of 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C). The source does not provide EPP-3 clearance, ventilation or mounting requirements.

Operation

The EPP-3 prints labels within the Access Prepack workflow. The product listing identifies Ultima/Quantum label stock in 2.25- or 3-inch widths, while Hobart’s system specification lists 1.5-, 2.25- and 3-inch widths and labels up to 4 inches long for auto-apply. Check the label format required by the intended system configuration before ordering stock.

The Access Prepack System manual describes the system as a meat-room or produce-back-room scale with merchandising capabilities that include multiple fonts, graphics and label types. Its stored product information can include PLU and UPC numbers, pricing, tare and shelf life. The manual also lists consumer-facing information that may be used in the system, including nutrition facts, safe-handling information, expanded text, health tips, meal planners, recipes, cooking instructions and merchandising graphics.

For operators using an Access Prepack System, the listed interface features include a large colour touchscreen, three-screen gesturing, a pop-up alphanumeric keyboard and numeric keypad, on-screen help, product and shelf-life entry by day or hour, and database search by description or nearest PLU number. Hobart describes these as system features; the EPP-3 itself is the printer component and is not identified as having the system’s touchscreen.

The manual instructs users to routinely verify printed label information. It specifically describes checking the calculation of price per pound multiplied by weight and comparing the scale weight with the weight printed on the label. It also recommends weighing the same package several times to check consistency. Packages near the middle of a 0.01 lb increment may normally vary by 0.01 lb; greater variation indicates that the system needs adjustment, in which case the manual directs users to contact a local Hobart Representative.

Applications

The EPP-3 suits prepack labeling in food retail and commercial food preparation workflows, including meat-room and produce-back-room use described for the Access Prepack System. It can form part of a Hobart hand-wrap setup, where an operator weighs and wraps a package and applies a printed label. It is also listed for use in Access Prepack Systems associated with NGW and CLAS configurations. Confirm the intended configuration, label stock and CLA compatibility before specifying the printer.