Ask Ozone

There are many mundane tasks in an office that are very important, but are about as exciting as watching a mime try and recite Shakespeare. Signing checks, invoices and other paperwork are one of these tasks. Business can’t continue to operate, and employees and vendors can’t get paid, without a steady flow of ink being scribbled across the signature line on documents.  But no one really wants to be the one who gets hand cramps from signing each and every document. That’s where the Widmer S-3 Check Signer comes in.

The Widmer S-3 Check Signer is a handy device that automatically stamps dates, numbers, data or authorized signatures on checks, purchase orders, invoices or other documents. It is fast, efficient and never gets tired of signing, even after the 100th document. It is a must-have for banks, retail stores, restaurants, distributors, warehouses, churches, nonprofits, schools or any other large organization and business.

The Widmer S-3 Check Signer is easy to use and can handle signing as many documents as you can feed it. The check signer works in the same was as a traditional style punch clock. The user simply slides the document to be signed into the feed slot on the machine. An internal switch detects the document and automatically activates the signer. In less than a second a clear signature, date or other desired information is clearly stamped on to the document.

Users will like the convenience of not having to reset any buttons or stamp settings while feeding a stack of documents through the check signer. Another convenience is the auto advance number printer. When you’re printing a series of sequential numbers on to a set of documents, the Widmer S-3 will automatically advance to the next number in the series. This is a true time saver and eliminates the need to use pre-printed or pre-numbered forms and documents.

The S-3 Check Signer is the product of the Widmer Time Recorder Company, a New York City based company who has produced time and date stamping products since 1933. Widmer started as a repair shop for time stamps and has grown to become one of the largest manufacturers of time and date stamps products in the world.

One concern that some companies have with check signers in general is the fear that someone will abuse the machine by making unauthorized signatures on checks and documents. The good news is that the S-3 Check Signer has some multiple security locks to prevent unauthorized personnel from using it. And if The President of the United States has enough trust in check signers to use one to sign legislation, then you can rest assured that they are secure.

The S-3 Check Signer is versatile enough to handled different styles of paper. The stamping pressure can be increased enough for it to penetrate through carbon paper forms, leaving a perfect imprint on each sheet. It can also be adjusted to accommodate lighter bond paper and carbonless forms.  It is made from sturdy material so it will provide years of consistent use.

You can purchase a Widmer S-3 Check Signer from Office Zone. You can find Office Zone’s entire selection of check signing machines here.

Question

Dear Sir / Madam,

We are a firm of security printers, based in the UK. I have an overseas client that is interested in a machine for signing cheques. I note from your web site that you market various machines:

• Widmer S-3 & SX-3

• Duplo V-130

• Martin Yale 930A

• Model RS Series Check Signer

• Model FD 150

I understand, first of all, that these machines would be capable of printing a signature on to a cheque? Can you please confirm? I was wondering also if you could advise which model would be the most suitable for my customer.

We are tendering for the printing of their cheques, continuous format, size 3.1/3” x 215 mm wide (including sprockets), single part, and a quantity of 2,000 – 10,000. My client is in Africa and, with all due respect to them, would be looking for something cheap and cheerful, and not too complicated.

Could you please advise?

Regards,

Cas A.

Answer

Yes, all of the models listed will print a signature on to a check. However, some models are more automated than others. If you need a machine that’s affordable, yet capable of signing up to 10,000 checks, we recommend the Martin Yale 930A Check Signer.

Check signers are highly efficient and significantly increase productivity.  Some of our customers who now own an automatic check signer, had to in the past manually sign hundreds of payroll or accounts payable checks a week. A check signer machine can do it in minutes. Using check signing machines saves considerable time and prevents writer’s cramp.

Question

I am in the market for a check-signing machine.  Looking at Widmer S-3 or SX-3.  Not sure what the difference is.  Appreciate if you would let me know.  Thank you.

Beth W.

Answer

The difference between the Widmer S-3 and SX-3 check signer is the platform size. If you take a closer look at the S-3 product image, you’ll notice a little table where you rest your check (or document) for stamping. The platform on the SX-3 model is slightly larger than the S-3. It simply is a more accommodating version for those who are stamping large-format checks or documents.

The Widmer S-3 provides a hands-free method of stamping signatures or data onto checks. The convenient action of inserting the check triggers the electronic printing feature. No buttons to push or handles to pull. Our customers provide samples of their signature. A custom engraved die plate is then created for the machine. The S-3 check signer saves you significant time and effort.

Question

My company is looking into purchasing a check signer and I was wondering if you might be able to provide me with more information on this product?  We process approximately 150 checks a week and are looking for a check signer that can process that without having to manually put the check into the machine for each check (like the Model S-3 & SX-3).  If you can provide me with information on how these work I would greatly appreciate it.  Thank you

Betsy B.

Answer

We recommend the model FD 150 Cut Sheet Check/Document Signer by Formax. You can quickly process up to 200 checks in just one batch with the FD 150. This is a fully automatic model. That means you can place your stack of checks in the hopper, program the unit where to place the signature, press start and let the machine do the rest.

The FD 150 has several user-friendly features that streamline your check signing duties. Its automatic alignment feature assures accurate imprint locations. The machine can do a wide variety of imprinting including signatures, endorsements, seals and logos. The FD 150 imprints anywhere you tell it to. The unit has a bottom feed design that assures continuous operation and proper sequencing of documents.