IPDS Printer Replacement with Microplex

Microplex printers provide a modern, embedded replacement for legacy IPDS devices, delivering direct IPDS printing to IBM® Host, AS/400 and AFP environments without the need for external converter boxes or workflow changes. With firmware‑level IPDS emulation, full bi‑directional host feedback and support for over 40 emulations, Microplex offers a reliable, drop‑in solution for organisations needing high‑speed, barcode‑heavy or transactional output across thermal, laser and cutsheet technologies.

Embedded IPDS emulation for IBM® Host, AS/400 and AFP systems — no converter boxes, no rewrites.

Why Microplex?

Microplex replaces legacy IPDS printers with:

  • Embedded IPDS emulation (no external hardware)

  • High‑speed processing for barcode‑heavy and AFP/IPDS jobs

  • 40+ emulations for seamless migration from mixed fleets

What this Means for Integrators

  • Direct IPDS from IBM® Host, AS/400 and AFP

  • Full bi‑directional feedback and page‑level acknowledgement

  • Predictable host behaviour and stable workflows

  • Thermal, thermal transfer, laser and cutsheet options

  • Firmware customisation for exact system requirements

Where Microplex Fits

  • Shipping labels

  • Warehouse documents

  • Product/price labels

  • RFID

  • Delivery notes & invoices

  • GHS Hazard Labelling

  • High Volume AFP/IPDS transactional output

Comparison Table

Feature Legacy IPDS Printer Microplex Printer
IPDS Processing Requires external IPDS box or converter Embedded IPDS emulation in firmware
Host Feedback Limited or delayed status reporting Full bi-directional feedback with page-level acknowledgement
Supported Print Technologies Typically one technology (usually laser) Thermal direct, thermal transfer, laser and cutsheet
Emulation Support Minimal or fixed 40+ emulations (

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best replacement for an IPDS printer in IBM® Host or AS/400 environments?
Microplex printers provide embedded IPDS emulation, allowing direct IPDS printing from IBM® Host, AS/400 and AFP systems without external converter boxes or workflow changes.
Can Microplex replace InfoPrint® and other legacy IPDS printers?
Yes. Microplex supports full IPDS functionality, bi-directional feedback and 40+ emulations, making it a drop-in replacement for InfoPrint®, Printronix and other legacy IPDS devices.
How does embedded IPDS emulation improve reliability compared to external IPDS boxes?
Embedded emulation removes external hardware, reduces failure points and ensures accurate page-level acknowledgement directly from the printer firmware to the host system.
Do Microplex printers support AFP/IPDS print pools and high-volume transactional output?
Yes. Microplex integrates with AFP/IPDS print pools and external spool systems, making it suitable for high-volume transactional printing such as invoices, labels and warehouse documents.
Can Microplex replace dot-matrix printers used for IPDS or AFP workflows?
Yes. With support for thermal, thermal transfer, laser and cutsheet technologies, Microplex can replace ageing dot-matrix printers while maintaining compatibility with existing host applications.
What emulations are supported for legacy system compatibility?
Microplex supports over 40 emulations including PCL5, IGP, Prescribe, IBM® Proprinter, IDOL and ZPL II, enabling seamless migration from mixed-emulation fleets without application rewrites.
Can Microplex firmware be customised for specific host or application requirements?
Yes. Microplex can tailor IPDS behaviour, barcode support and emulation handling to match unique system environments or legacy workflows, ensuring 100% compatibility.
Is Microplex suitable for barcode-heavy or graphics-rich IPDS jobs?
The Microplex Controller is optimised for high-density 1D/2D barcodes and graphics-rich AFP/IPDS documents, maintaining high-speed output even under heavy workloads.