SATO America Introduces SC-TTL™ - Revolutionary Self Contained Thermal Transfer Labels
Direct Thermal Printers can now print Thermal Transfer Labels

CHARLOTTE, NC – May 13, 2003 – SATO America, Inc., a leader in barcode printing since introducing the first thermal transfer barcode printer in 1979, today introduced SC-TTL, a revolutionary new product that eliminates the need to purchase separate rolls of labels and ribbons.

SC-TTL is a special process that combines top quality labels and ribbons all in one roll. Even direct thermal only printers can produce top quality labels on either paper or synthetic face sheets and, with SC-TTL, print head alignment and ribbon wrinkle are virtually eliminated. SC-TTL enables use of any size, face material or adhesive and can also be preprinted and use colored ribbons. High print quality with every label is assured with SC-TTL.

SC-TTL delivers unsurpassed advantages for direct thermal printers including direct thermal convenience; thermal transfer durability; resistance to UV light, high temperatures, chemicals, scratches and abrasion; IR Scanning in infrared and near infrared; and tailor-made labels for any application.

The cost savings can be substantial because SC-TTL:
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Eliminates wide ribbons on narrow labels
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Eliminates mismatched quantity waste
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Eliminates ribbon threading wrinkles or print head alignment problems
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Delivers Longer Shelf Life than direct thermal labels
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Delivers Longer Print Head Life than direct thermal printing

SC-TTL is the revolutionary new product available exclusively from SATO America.

SATO America, Inc. has been manufacturing industrial barcode printers for over two decades, delivering rugged dependability and reliable performance. The complete SATO product line includes direct thermal and thermal transfer printers, OEM print engines, printer accessories, label design software, labels and thermal transfer ribbons. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.satoamerica.com.

For more information, please contact Alicia Tan (Ms), Marketing Executive, Sales & Marketing (BSI), at marketing@sato-int.com

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About Barcode SATO International (BSI)

Barcode SATO International (BSI), the global sales headquarters of SATO Corporation, is a world leader of automatic identification products including barcode printers. BSI was incorporated in 2001 to oversee and support sales, marketing and customer service activities at all group member companies. As part of its expansion plans, BSI is rapidly strengthening its own team, as well as that of its overseas group member companies. BSI is the driving force behind SATO Corporation’s global branding strategy and expansion into new markets and territories.

About SATO

SATO is a pioneer in the Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) industry, and the inventor of the world’s first electronic thermal transfer barcode printer. It revolutionised the barcoding industry by introducing the Data Collection System (DCS) and Labelling concept – a total barcode and labelling solutions approach providing high quality barcode printers, scanners/hand held terminals, label design software and consumables. SATO is a public listed company in Japan and has worldwide offices in United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Poland, Belgium, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and China. SATO reported revenues of US$445 million in 2002. SATO stock is traded on first section of Tokyo Stock Exchange. More information can be found at www.sato.co.jp.