Where to buy Alps printer

My boss came to me with a question to find out where I can get a
metallic printer because the bank that we work with in order to print
checks the bar code at the botom of the check has to be printed with a
metallic ink. From what I here around is this type of printer is not
made anymore. The only thing I could get to is a company called Alps
that used to make them but does not anymore.

Is this an old technology that is not widley used anymore?

Is the bank stuck in the old days and needs to keep up with the times?

Is it possible to buy a printer like this, that can do metallic
printing?

Does it take a special printer to print metallic ink or can you buy a
cartridge for your current inkjet or laser printer and use that
instead?

Let me know if anyone can answer my questions.

C

In article , "Troy" wrote:
I had a couple of these alps printers.The one you are talking about is the
MD 5000.It will print metalics and foils.Its a cool printer and works well
but is very expensive to run,this this is why I sold my two.They use thermal
ribbons.The MD 5000 can hold 6 ribbons.The printer is a thermal based
printer meaning the printhead melts a plastic ribbon on the page.Its very
durable and water proof.If you want one try ebay.


cbielich wrote in message
. com...
My boss came to me with a question to find out where I can get a
metallic printer because the bank that we work with in order to print
checks the bar code at the botom of the check has to be printed with a
metallic ink. From what I here around is this type of printer is not
made anymore. The only thing I could get to is a company called Alps
that used to make them but does not anymore.


Its a magnetic ink you need!!!!! Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)
compatible inks I believe

http://www.g7ps.com/scripts/versaink.asp (For Inkjets)
http://www.g7ps.com/scripts/toner.asp (For lasers)

Is this an old technology that is not widley used anymore?


Most banks are now doing optical scanning of the checks but alot still use the
magnetic readers.

Is the bank stuck in the old days and needs to keep up with the times?


Yes and no

Is it possible to buy a printer like this, that can do metallic
printing?
Usually you just buy a MICR compatible ink cart or toner for your laser or
inkjet



Does it take a special printer to print metallic ink or can you buy a
cartridge for your current inkjet or laser printer and use that
instead?


See above

Let me know if anyone can answer my questions.

C