Coding and labeling
The easy-peel Pharma-Comb label from Schreiner MediPharm integrates with pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. (PHOTO COURTESY
OF SCHREINER MEDIPHARM)
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A small-character continuous inkjet printer combines maximum uptime, ease of use, and a simplified fluid-replacement system.
The microchip-equipped fluid cartridge identifies contents to prevent errors in ink selection and confusion between makeup
and ink bottles. The cartridge shape ensures that it drains completely, thus minimizing residual fluid and waste and further
reducing costs. A needle-and-septum design eliminates the need for operators to pour ink and prevents spills and waste. A
calibration feature automatically adjusts the printhead based on changes in the environment to ensure consistently sharp print
reproduction quality, regardless of ambient temperatures, which can alter ink viscosity.
A modular design consolidates key components and reduces the frequency of preventive maintenance to every 9000 h, or 18 months,
for medium-duty applications. A countdown meter on the user interface shows how much time remains until module changeover,
which takes about 30 min and doesn't require a service call. A USB port lets users hot swap print jobs and back up printed
messages. Ethernet capability enables off-site control and diagnostics as well as real-time message changes (Videojet 1510
inkjet printer, Videojet Technologies, Wood Dale, IL).
The Videojet 1510 is designed for medium-duty applications that involve printing codes roughly 16–20 h/day for six days each
week. (PHOTO COURTESY OF VIDEOJET)
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A servo-driven feedscrew and trunnion roll system on a servo-driven, pressure-sensitive label applicator keep vials under
positive control to achieve label placement accuracy of ±0.5 mm. Fixed-position product sensors eliminate the need to make
mechanical adjustments when setting the label location on the container. An integrated air reject on the servo-driven feedscrew
removes fallen containers, thereby reducing jams and minimizing unplanned downtime. Fail-safe logic keeps the system running
even when the web is missing a label.
The servo technology also minimizes maintenance requirements and quickens changeover, which takes less than 10 min and requires
no tools. To ease maintenance, the full barrier guard features front- and back-access doors, and the main control panel is
mounted on a pullout drawer for easy access. Quick disconnect sensors allow failed sensors to be replaced without rewiring.
NJM/CLI's Auto-Colt III Trunnion labeler meets good manufacturing practice standards and offers exceptional durability. (PHOTO
COURTESY OF NJM/CLI)
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Suitable for containers with diameters of 0.563 to 2 in. (14.3–50.8 mm) and shoulder heights of 0.813 to 3 in. (20.6 to 76.2
mm), the labeler applies wraparound labels to as many as 300 containers/min. Four servo motors compensate for speed variations
and synchronize with the conveyor, and the control system provides label tracking capability. Options include an optical character-verification
or optical character-recognition camera; radiofrequency identification labeling; hot-stamp, laser, or thermal-transfer coders;
label-placement inspection; barcode readers; soft reject stations; and an automatic label-removal station to remove faulty
labels from the web (Model 326 Auto-Colt III Trunnion vial labeler, from NJM/CLI, Lebanon, NH).
A new label design for multidose medications features a multilayer construction that peels easily to free labels for attachment
to filled, disposable syringes. Because all critical information is provided on the detachable label parts, it's available
at any time and provides clear identification and traceability of the drug until the time of administration (Pharma-Comb label,
Schreiner MediPharm, Blauvelt, NY).
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