Postage Meters: An Inside Look at Business Mailing Technology

Postage meters and postage scales are perhaps the most crucial components to any company's mailing system. Postage meters and scale come in many different models based on varying levels of sophistication and output. Let's examine some attributes of each.

Your postage meter system handles to print postage amounts based on mail pieces according to the current rates and regulations of the Postal Service. Since these rates are usually estimated based on the weight of the package being shipped, it is necessary to have a postage scale to weigh packages and letters to figure the correct cost.

By utilizing a postage scale, you can eliminate the likelihood of extra and over payments that occur when you are supposed to affix additional stamps to mail packages due to lack of "proper change" so to speak or when indecisive of cost. Studies have indicated that savings to the average business can be up to 30 percent.

Scale-Integrated Postage Meters

A number of digital scales have a direct relation to your postage meter, resulting in automatic recording of the postage amount. This is helpful when you often send mail of variety of weights and can also facilitate costs for other carriers, like Federal Express and United Parcel Service.

Spring scales on the other hand do not handle all the features of digital scales. If however you have fairly low volume and mostly ship just letter and envelopes, spring scales offer a reasonable solution, sometimes costing as little as $35 as opposed to a digital scale which can run upwards to a few hundred dollars. Scales can also be rented and a small digital scale will run you about $5 each month.

When it comes to service and support for postage meter systems, the meter itself does not require a service contract because the manufacturer is the owner as you merely lease it, and they are responsible for repairs. Prior to leasing a meter, be sure you understand how repairs will be handled, whether you must send it or will a technician come to your office?

Features & Components of Most Postage Meters

Most postage meters will offer the following features and components to help improve the overall mailing process.

• Base: It is the seat on which mail is moved through a postage meter.
• Postage scale: It weighs consignments calculating required postage amount. Interfaced postage scales automatically apply the calculated postage amount. Digital postage scales charge correct postage automatically.
• Feeder: Your mails and packages run through feeders before being stamped on the postal mark by the meter. You can opt for manual, semi-automatic and automatic feeders. Automatic and semi-automatic feeders are more suitable for handling large mail stacks. Feeder come in different dimensions and their speeds vary from 15 to 270 letters per minute.
• Sealer: They glue, moisten and seal mail envelop flaps. Sealers require comprehensive maintenance.
• Stacker: Stamped mails are moved to the stacker or collection. Low-end stackers hold a few metered mails in a tray while power stackers move stamped mails onto a tray through a conveyor system.
• Tape dispenser: Pre-cut and rolled tape dispensers allow you to fix tapes or postage strips on irregular shaped packages. Tape dispensers along with the base ensure proper placement and sticking of postage strips on packages.

Advantages of Postage Meters for Businesses

Postage meters are a vital asset for all types of businesses. They can help save time and money on postage, not to mention the labor invested making frequent trips to the post office. Some of benefits of postage meters are:

• Easy stamping: With postage machines, businesses can print and pay postage without leaving the office. You don't have to stand in long queues at the post office to get shipments weighed and metered. You only need to make the trip to drop the consignments or you can arrange to have them collected from your office.
• Easy management of all types of mails: Postage machines can take care of all kinds of mails
• Parcel Post, Priority, Domestic First-Class, Express, International parcels, International First-Class etc. As it is very easy to print directly on envelopes, large volume of mails can be weighed and stamped speedily and correctly.
• Cost savings: Postage meters always print packages with precise postage unlike the occasional case at post offices where precise postage is not available all the time or when you weigh the package on a scale and estimate the postage from a lookup table. Consignments are weighed on a scale on the meter and postage is calculated on that basis along with the type of mail and its destination.

Postage meters continue to evolve as some of the most technologically-advanced mailing systems. They provide a solid ROI for businesses that engage in high volumes of postage.

Top 3 Addressing Systems for Accelerated Mailing

Although email and digital channels have consumed most business communications, tangible mail is still an important and effective means conduct certain operations. In fact, for some businesses, mailing is a major component to their commercial model. And as a result, these companies invest in mailroom equipment and mailing machines, such as addressing systems and postage meters.

With respect to the former, there are a number of low-to-high end addressing systems on the market. Also known as address printers, these addressing systems enable businesses to fluidly and efficiently print envelopes in volume fashion. Check out three top-rated addressing systems for accelerated mailing. Shop these addressing systems at WalzEQ.com if your interested making a purchase.

Shown here is the AS-940 Addressing System from Neopost.

Neopost AS-940 Addressing System

The AS-940 addressing system from Neopost gives top value for a mid level workload. Graphics and addressing speed the focus of this hi-tech mailing machine. Neopost boasts an entry level price for this high-quality printer. See what makes the Neopost AS-940 addressing system a powerful address printer for the price.

Addressing System Features

• Up to 22,000 prints an hour - The maximum performance allows plenty of production numbers. This address printer promises mailing house level performance hour after hour.
• High resolution of 600 dpi - At high speeds, you can get crystal clear printing on every piece. This is important for eye-catching graphics not to bleed together. Also provides the most readable type.
• Common document size handling - The Neopost AS-940 addressing system handles documents from 5 inches by 3 inches up to 15 inches by 13.5 inches. The print area is 2.5 inches by 15 inches.
• Unit size - The unit tucks neatly into most offices. It measures 20 inches long by 21 inches high by 18 deep.

Pitney Bowes DA95f AddressRight Address System

Pitney Bowes offers the top mailing machine technology in this easy use address envelope printer. The Pitney Bowes DA95f AddressRight address system is a powerful address printing machine that has fixed heads to provide maximum durability.

You can get options to take your mailroom work to the next level. The Pitney Bowes DA95f AddressRight Address System also includes a high-output ink dryer and an integrated conveyor.

Addressing System Features

• Software plugins for managing mail - Keeping your list of addresses clean is a snap with any Pitney Bowes software. You have growing opportunity for saving money on wasted mail.
• Cost saving mode for printing - Precise printing allows you pick a Light Mode for using less ink for pieces with fewer graphics. The marketing message gets there at a more exact supply cost.
• Remote warnings and maintenance capability - This feature is designed to free operators to multi-task. The operator can track ink levels and production operations from a linked PC.
• Higher and faster capacity - You can print a maximum of 30,000 pieces of mail in an hour with the Pitney Bowes DA95f AddressRight address system. The media can be 1/2 inch thick. USB and Ethernet provide even more speed options in print.

Accufast PMx Addressing System

The Accufast PMx is stand-alone address printer is designed to give you more productivity without moving other items in your shop. Accufast boasts X-Pansion tech included to move your mail even faster. Commercial printing from this inkjet printer rolls right in ready to produce.

Addressing System Features

• Easy to place size - The Accufast PMx has an adjustable height with a weight of only 160 pounds. It is from 37 inches to 41 inches tall. The width is just under 21 inches with a length of 42 inches.
• Durable frame and wheels - The welded steel frame will put up with bumps and scuffs of a busy shop. The castors lock in place with step locks.
• Variable printing resolution - Get from 150 up to 600 dots per inch horizontal and from 300 up to 600 dots per inch vertical.
• Industry standard productivity - At 10-inch runs, you can print 15,000 pieces per hour. This measurement is printing 300 by 600 dot per inch.

There you have a great selection of addressing systems to check out right now. You are sure to find something that fits your business, budget and work flow.

Formax Pressure Sealers: 5 Machines for Optimal Workflow

Formax is at the forefront in the manufacturing and design of innovative paper processing technology, particularly pressure sealers. Formax pressure sealers employ innovative AutoSeal technology that is patented and designed to optimize pressure sealing workflow for users. Formax also provides desktop solutions ideal for small offices upwards to multinational corporations.

Formax pressure seal mailers are the ultimate solution for a variety of business documents that can be printed on a piece of paper. This effectively saves time and costs. Thus results in a secure document with a professional look.

Formax partners with reputable and established companies like the Walz Labeling and Mailing Systems as dealers for their high quality products. The following are some of the leading pressure sealer products in Formax product portfolio.

Formax FD 2002 Pressure Sealer

The FD 2002 pressure sealer from Formax is one of the most powerful pressure sealers manufactured by the company. It is capable of handling and effectively processing self-mailers that are sensitive.

The Formax FD 2002 pressure sealer has integral folding plates that make setting it up and using it all the more easier. In order to ensure precision folds, the FD 2002 has knobs for fine tuning. It also has a three roller drop in mechanism. It features an integral touchpad control panel that is quite easy to use. Its features also include:

1. Hopper load capacity of up to 250 forms
2. Speed of 8000 forms per hour
3. Fully enclosed storage cabinet
4. 18 inch conveyor with foto eye technology

Formax FD 2032 Pressure Sealer

The Formax FD 2032 pressure sealer is able to process sensitive self-mailers efficiently. It can process forms with lengths of up to 14 inches. This pressure washer is capable of processing up to 11000 forms in one hour. Its feeder can accommodate up to 350 forms at any given time.


Users of the Formax FD 2032 pressure sealer have a choice of two conveyors. The conveyors have an integral foto eye feature which ensures that forms are arranged in a sequential fashion. The FD 2032 standard features include:

1. Fog control
2. LED indicators
3. Six digit counter
4. Fault detection
5. Touch pad control panel

Formax FD 2084 Pressure Sealer

The Formax FD 2084 pressure sealer is able to process 2800 forms an hour, making it one of the most advanced and top-of-the-line Formax pressure sealer machines.This translates to about 400000 forms in a month. These pressure sealers utilize pressure seal technology. The FD 2084 is able to process continuous pressure seal forms in an organization of medium size and in terms of volume.

1. It is capable of folding, separating and sealing seal forms in a continuous fashion in a line.
2. The pressure sealers can store up to 3 custom fold configurations in its internal memory.
3. It is able to process forms with lengths of up to 20 inches. It is a heavy duty pressure sealer with continuous feed capability.

Formax FD 2054 Pressure Sealer

The FD 2054 is one of the most powerful pressure sealers from Formax. It is fully automatic and is efficient and quite easy to use. It is able to automatically detect and adjust accordingly depending on the length of the form. It detects different lengths from 11, 14 and 17 inches. It is one of the most efficient pressure sealers currently available in the market.

Formax FD 2002IL Pressure Sealer

This is one of the Formax pressure sealers that are able to effectively interface with laser printers that have specific MICR capabilities. The Formax FD 2002IL pressure sealer also integrates seamlessly with non-MICR desktop laser printers. This ultimately ensures that it is able to provide enhanced and foolproof document security.

Walz Introduces Pitney Bowes Relay Series of Folder Inserters

The established and reputable Walz Labeling and Mailing Systems of central Illinois has introduced a revolutionary line of innovative office products from industry leading manufacturer: Pitney Bowes. A brand new Relay Series of folder inserter products from Pitney Bowes is the latest addition to the wide range of practical office automation solutions available in the Walz inventory of mailing solutions.

The Relay 3000, 4000 and 7000 folders from Pitney Bowes are among some of the most modern and efficient office products in their class. In fact, these folder inserter machines are guaranteed to improve the way desktop folder insertion procedures are carried out.

Pitney Bowes Relay 3000 Folder Inserter

The Pitney Bowes Relay 3000 folder inserter is designed for relatively low volume activity in a small office setting. It is a superior three in one automated mailing solution that folds, inserts and seals an estimated 3000 pieces in a span of one hour.

The Pitney Bowes Relay 3000 is available in two different configurations which include a two sheet feeder and insert tray option or a single sheet feeder accompanied with one feeder tray. An integral mail piece counter and an automatic detection system come as standard features with the Relay 3000. The folder inserter is quite efficient and it is able to sustain a longer production run as its sheet feeders are able to accommodate 325 sheets per tray.

Pitney Bowes Relay 4000 Folder Inserter

The Pitney Bowes Relay 4000 folder inserter is an automated mailing office product that has been specifically designed for medium sized. It is an advanced, efficient desktop inserter that accurately processes up to 3,500 pieces in one hour. It is a cost effective office accessory as there are no additional training costs incurred since the Relay 4000 folder inserter is relatively simple to set up.

The folder inserter is efficient and saves a lot of valuable time as it can be programmed to handle 20 jobs at the same time. Its seamless and efficient operations enables the user to effectively bridge the gap between the company and their customer base as it caters for the most demanding mailing needs. The Relay 4000 has an automatic stop and page separation feature. In addition, it has a clear deck function and an integral deck detection system on both feed trays and these features help in avoiding mistakes that could have dire cost implications.

Pitney Bowes Relay 7000 Folder Inserter

The Pitney Bowes Relay 7000 folder inserter is a large scale inserter that is designed for large office settings that handle voluminous mailing jobs. It can handle complex folding and inserting jobs at a remarkable rate of 5,400 mailings per hour. It has an integral state of the art interface that incorporates easy to use next generation features.

The Relay 7000 desktop folder inserter has on OMR document scanning software, available as an option, which is advanced and ensures that the security and overall security is maintained. The efficient folder inserter increases productivity and output in the office as the inserter can be loaded on the fly, so to speak. This effectively eliminates the need to stop the system when refilling the tray. The Relay 7000s paper tray can be cleared in a simplistic and convenient fashion courtesy of the innovative Clear Deck function.

For more information about this supplier and its line of document handling and mailing system products, visit:

Walz Mailing & Mailing Systems
624 High Point Ln,
East Peoria, IL 61611
877.971.1500
WalzEQ.com

The Most Advanced Postage Meter Technology from Neopost USA

The variety of postage meters on the market today makes it a daunting task to select which postage meter machine will work the best for your needs and budget. While you can't go wrong with Neopost USA's postage meter technology, the company makes so many models that it can be difficult to choose just one. Below we profile five the of most advanced postage meters from Neopost designed for high-volume mailrooms.

Neopost IM-6000

The Neopost IM-6000 presents an amalgam of simplified user-friendly operations, optimized production, maximum uptime and effective cost control .This postage meter consists of a 15-inch touch screen whose height can be adjusted, and can be adjusted to the left, to the right, backwards, forwards, upwards and downwards as one would desire.

The screen is illuminated by shades of blue that ease visibility of tasks and has prompts and conspicuous descriptive buttons that ease navigation. The postage meter can be further customized with a full keyboard and a remote label dispenser that can improve the efficiency of the postage meter and more detailed customization of mail pieces.

Further detailed specifications of the Neopost IM-6000 includes: processing speeds of up to 300 letters per minute and up to 160 letters per minute when the machine is in dynamic mode; 4 print modes namely the meter, permit, date stamp and seal only modes; it allows printing on a minimum envelope size of 3.5 x 5 inches, a maximum envelope size of 10 x 13 inches and a maximum thickness size of 5/8 inches; has a maximum of 15 job imprint memories; high speed internet connectivity through the local access network port that allows for coupling with apps such as Postal Rates App and Commercial Rates App that effect better mailroom management to your business.

Neopost IM-5000

The IM-5000 postage meter from Neopost USA presents ground-breaking mailing technology that increases its efficiency as well as productivity. The postage meter consists of 5.7-inch touch screen that can be rotated to the left, to the right, backwards and forwards. The screen is full-colour easing legibility of the screen. In addition, it has shortcut keys, menu prompts, smart functions and wizards that make it more ergonomic.

Just like the Neopost IM-6000, it can be further optimized with a full keyboard and a remote label dispenser. Further detailed specification of the Neopost IM-5000 include: an ultra-high capacity ink-tank with a maximum of 100000 imprints; a dual pump sealing system with a jet spray with up to 5 adjustment levels; 4 print modes similar to the Neopost IM-6000; it allows printing on a minimum envelope size of 3.5 x 5 inches, a maximum envelope size of 10 x 13 inches and a maximum thickness size of 5/8 inches; has a maximum of 15 job imprint memories; high speed internet connectivity through the local access network port that allows for coupling with apps such as Remote Diagnostic App and E-Services App.

Neopost IN-750

The Neopost IN-750 postage meter is as much powerful as it is a beautiful piece of machinery that can improve the efficiency of the mail room. It has a maximum processing speed of 175 LPM (letters per minute) and a dynamic rate of up to 110 LPM and can handle mail pieces of up to 70 pounds.

The Neopost IN-750 is secured with pin code protection and up to fifty different users can set their passwords. The coloured intuitive touch screen, short cut keys, differential weighing, an optional keyboard and remote label dispenser make this meter more ergonomic. In addition, it has high-speed internet connectivity and enabled app functionality.

Neopost IN-600 AF

The Neopost IN-600 AF is among the most versatile, fastest and latest postage meters with a contemporary design. It has a sealer as well as automatic feeder.

Further specifications of the Neopost IN-600 AF postage meter include: a maximum processing speed of 110 LPM; up to 9 job imprint memories; an integrated scale capable of measuring of up to 70 pounds; it allows printing on a minimum envelope size of 3.5 x 5 inches, a maximum envelope size of 10 x 13 inches and a maximum thickness size of 1/3 inches; high speed internet connectivity through the local access network port that allows for coupling with apps such as Receipt App and TotalFunds App.

Neopost IN-700

The Neopost IN-700 is made up of a sleek and eco-fresh design and is among the more powerful postage meters around.

The IN-700 from Neopost USA has the following features: a maximum speed of 140 LPM and a maximum of 75 LPM with dynamic scale; up to 9 job imprint memories; an integrated scale capable of measuring up to 70 pounds; it allows printing on a minimum envelope size of 3.5 x 5 inches, a maximum envelope size of 10 x 13 inches and a maximum thickness size of 1/3 inches; it has an intuitive, ergonomic and full-colour touch screen; automatic envelope feeding; high speed internet connectivity through the local access network port that allows for coupling with apps such as Receipt App and E-Services App.