A New Era of Label Printing with AstroNova and Print Digital Solutions 

Product identification has never been more important. From compliance labeling to premium packaging design, businesses today rely heavily on efficient, high-quality printing solutions that support both branding and operational requirements. 

Print Digital Solutions (PDS) is excited to announce a strategic partnership with AstroNova Product Identification. As an authorized Canadian partner, PDS now offers a powerful portfolio of label printing technologies designed to help manufacturers, packaging providers, and commercial print shops improve productivity and quality. 

This partnership introduces four key models into the Canadian market: 

• QuickLabel QL-425 
• QuickLabel QL-435 
• AstroJet AJ-200 
• AstroJet AJ-800 

Each solution targets different production needs while maintaining AstroNova’s commitment to reliability and innovation. 

Why Product Identification Printing Matters Today 

Modern product identification goes far beyond simple barcode labels. Businesses now require: 

• Full-color branding labels 
• Variable data printing 
• Regulatory compliance information 
• Short-run customization 
• On-demand packaging graphics 

Traditional outsourcing can create delays, increase costs, and limit flexibility. Bringing label production in-house allows companies to: 

• Reduce lead times 
• Control inventory 
• Enable faster product launches 
• Improve brand consistency 

AstroNova’s solutions are designed specifically to address these evolving demands. 

QuickLabel QL-425: Compact Color Label Production 

The QuickLabel QL-425 is an entry-level yet production-capable color label printer ideal for businesses transitioning from outsourced label printing to in-house manufacturing. 

Key Advantages 

Compact footprint 
The QL-425 fits comfortably into offices, production floors, and packaging stations, making it suitable for small to mid-sized operations. 

On-demand full-color printing 
Businesses can produce labels as needed, reducing waste and eliminating minimum order requirements. 

Versatile applications 
The printer supports labels for: 

• Food and beverage packaging 
• Health and beauty products 
• Nutritional labeling 
• Promotional packaging 
• Retail branding 

For companies seeking cost-effective entry into color label printing, the QL-425 offers a balanced combination of affordability and capability. 

QuickLabel QL-435: High-Speed Professional Label Output 

Stepping up in performance, the QL-435 delivers faster throughput and enhanced print quality for growing production environments. 

What Makes the QL-435 Stand Out? 

Higher print speeds 
Ideal for businesses with increasing label demand and tighter turnaround requirements. 

Improved resolution and color performance 
Sharper graphics and vibrant branding help products stand out on retail shelves. 

Durable industrial design 
Built for consistent operation in packaging lines and manufacturing facilities. 

The QL-435 is particularly attractive for: 

• Contract packagers 
• Specialty food producers 
• Nutraceutical companies 
• Private label manufacturers 

It supports scalable production without requiring the footprint or complexity of large industrial systems. 

AstroJet AJ-200: Direct-to-Package Printing Flexibility 

The AstroJet AJ-200 introduces a different approach to product identification—direct-to-package printing. 

Instead of printing and applying labels, businesses can print directly onto substrates such as: 

• Corrugated boxes 
• Folding cartons 
• Mailers 
• Paper bags 

Benefits of Direct Printing 

Reduced labeling steps 
Eliminating label application simplifies workflow and lowers labor requirements. 

Improved sustainability potential 
Direct printing can reduce label liner waste and additional material usage. 

Variable data capability 
Batch codes, barcodes, and custom graphics can be printed dynamically. 

For logistics operations, fulfillment centers, and packaging producers, the AJ-200 offers operational efficiency and flexibility. 

AstroJet AJ-800: High-Performance Industrial Package Printing 

At the industrial end of the spectrum, the AstroJet AJ-800 is designed for high-volume, high-speed package printing environments. 

Key Production Strengths 

Wide print coverage 
Supports larger packaging formats and broader print areas. 

High-speed throughput 
Designed to integrate into automated packaging lines. 

Durable print performance 
Handles demanding production schedules with consistent output quality. 

This makes the AJ-800 suitable for: 

• Large fulfillment operations 
• E-commerce distribution centers 
• Corrugated packaging manufacturers 
• Industrial product labeling environments 

By enabling inline package printing, businesses can reduce reliance on pre-printed packaging inventory. 

Strategic Benefits of the AstroNova–PDS Partnership 

The introduction of AstroNova Product Identification solutions through PDS provides several advantages to Canadian businesses. 

Local Support and Expertise 

Customers gain access to: 

• Canadian-based technical support 
• Demonstration facilities 
• Training and onboarding 
• Application consulting 

Local service availability reduces downtime risks and improves overall customer confidence. 

Faster Equipment Availability 

Direct partnership channels can improve: 

• Delivery timelines 
• Parts availability 
• Warranty responsiveness 
• This is particularly important for production-critical equipment. 

End-to-End Workflow Solutions 

PDS can integrate AstroNova printers into broader production environments that may include: 

• Finishing systems 
• Packaging equipment 
• UV printing solutions 
• Label applicators 

This holistic approach helps businesses design efficient workflows rather than purchasing isolated equipment. 

Supporting Growth in Packaging and E-Commerce 

The rapid expansion of e-commerce and private-label manufacturing has increased demand for flexible product identification systems. 

Businesses now need to: 

• Launch products quickly 
• Personalize packaging 
• Handle short production runs 
• Maintain consistent branding 

AstroNova’s portfolio addresses these requirements by offering scalable solutions—from compact label printers to industrial direct package printing systems. 

Sustainability and Inventory Efficiency 

In-house printing supports sustainability initiatives by enabling: 

• Reduced overproduction 
• Lower transportation emissions 
• On-demand label creation 
• Less obsolete packaging waste 

Direct-to-package printing further enhances this by reducing label substrate usage. 

As environmental considerations become more important in purchasing decisions, these capabilities can strengthen brand positioning. 

Ideal Industries for AstroNova Solutions 

The QuickLabel and AstroJet product families are well-suited for: 

• Food and beverage manufacturers 
• Cosmetics and personal care brands 
• Nutraceutical companies 
• Logistics providers 
• Packaging converters 
• Commercial print shops 
• E-commerce fulfillment centers 

Each sector benefits from faster turnaround, improved customization, and reduced dependency on external suppliers. 

Future Opportunities with Digital Product Identification 

Digital printing continues to transform packaging and labeling workflows. Variable data, personalization, and shorter product life cycles require flexible production tools. 

With AstroNova solutions now available through PDS, Canadian businesses can adopt advanced identification technologies that support: 

• Market responsiveness 
• Production efficiency 
• Branding innovation 
• Operational scalability 

Final Thoughts 

The partnership between Print Digital Solutions and AstroNova Product Identification marks an important step in expanding advanced label and package printing solutions across Canada. 

With the QuickLabel QL-425 and QL-435 supporting on-demand color label production, and the AstroJet AJ-200 and AJ-800 enabling direct-to-package printing, businesses gain access to flexible tools designed for modern packaging challenges. 

As demand for customization, speed, and sustainability grows, these technologies help companies remain competitive while improving workflow efficiency and brand presentation. 

For organizations ready to bring label and package printing in-house, the AstroNova lineup—now supported locally by PDS—represents a powerful opportunity for growth and innovation.