Astro-Med, Inc., a world leader in ruggedized printers for the commercial and military aviation markets, today announced the release of the revolutionary ToughWriter 640, a narrow-width flight deck printer for narrow-body aircraft and smaller cockpits. The ToughWriter 640 is built on Astro-Med's next-generation hybrid processor technology, which dramatically enhances printer performance and reduces power consumption.

“The evolution of next-generation, narrow-body aircraft is driving strong global demand for our ruggedized printers, and we are extremely proud to be able to meet that demand with advanced new products such as the ToughWriter 640,” said Astro-Med Vice President and General Manager, Thomas W. Carll. “We designed the ToughWriter 640 to be the most cost-effective and lightest 40-column printer in the sky.”

The ToughWriter 640 meets or surpasses all ARINC 740-1 40-column printer requirements, and comes equipped with built-in Ethernet connectivity. It features innovative graphic options for maps and alternative font sets and combines easy paper loading with industry-leading print speed and quality.

Combining ease of use, functionality and efficiency, the ToughWriter 640 is an easy drop-in replacement for less advanced 40-column printers. The ToughWriter 640 consumes less than 55 watts, prints text in standard or "side-writing" modes, and is capable of standard or high-speed ARINC 429 communications.