Medical Device Link.

Originally Published PMPN November 2001

PRODUCT UPDATE

Print-and-apply units maintain close accuracy at high speeds.

A machine for heavy-duty print-and-apply labeling can produce and then affix labels to products, shipping cases, and pallets at speeds up to 100 pieces per minute. The flexible, adaptable Q32 can handle highly demanding variable-information labeling requirements. It features a design that allows the yoke to be mounted on the horizontal or vertical axis and includes a standard 16-in. unwind and quick-disconnect electronics and pneumatics. Available optional modules include air-tamp, air-blow, tamp-blow, wipe-on, and pneumatic swing-arms for side, top, leading-edge, adjacent-side, and corner-wrap applications. Quadrel Labeling Systems, Mentor, OH.

A high-speed pressure-sensitive-label applicator is able to place labels accurately at speeds of 1000 labels per minute. The 2111 HS Air Blow employs technology that holds the label by vacuum on a honeycomb applicator grid until it is blown onto the product passing below the grid with precise timing. A peel tip­sensing function that makes possible repeatable settings and constant monitoring prevents the problems of double labeling and missed product. Dc servo control enables the machine to handle label rolls at a peak velocity of 5000 in./min. The labeler can be mounted in nearly any position next to the production line in order to apply labels to the top, side, or bottom of products. Label-Aire Inc., Fullerton, CA.

A high-speed rotary labeling system has one turret that can apply labels to a container in wraparound, wipe-on, or front-and-back mode. The small-footprint M3 system is fully synchronized and designed for maximum flexibility with minimum changeover time. Its product-handling system utilizes matched quick-change tooling that enables changeover to be accomplished typically in less than 10 minutes. Because products are handled individually within a product-positioning fixture, containers that distort under pressure are accommodated. Its process control capabilities make the system well suited for affixing difficult-to-apply clear labels. ID Technology, Fort Worth, TX.

A container-labeling system for pharmaceutical product packagers provides product tracking without the need to add a separate vision system. The microprocessor control of the 8FL system monitors the position of every container such that any addition or removal of a container is detected. When an unrecognized or missing product is sensed, the system stops the labeling action and displays the situation on the man-machine interface. Other features are help screens that guide users to problem areas, easy access to containers and the label web to facilitate maintenance, and safety functions that shut down the machine when overloads or intrusions by personnel or foreign objects are detected. It comes with validation documentation to ensure easy installation. Newman Labeling Systems Inc., San Diego, CA.

A simple two-panel labeling method that involves few moving parts is a key element of a versatile adjacent-panel print-and-apply label applicator. The Label Mill 3501APL has a compliant applicator pad that swings out to tamp a label onto the leading edge of a product coming down the conveyor, returns home to receive the next label, and then labels the side panel of the package using the same swing mechanism before returning home. The printer-applicator is designed with more than two dozen input-output points for integration with scales, bar code scanners, product diverters, automatic machines, conveyor lines, a remote trigger, a second trigger for variable data, tamp synchronization, and indicator signals to signify low-label, broken-web, and batch-done conditions. It is available in right- and left-hand models with print engines from Sato, Zebra, or Datamax. System control software, which includes selectable batch counting, storage of up to 10 jobs, and a choice of operational modes with input via a touch pad, is user friendly and password protected. MMI Automated Systems, Div. of Mills Machine Inc., Savanna, IL.

A line of semiautomatic and tabletop labeling equipment applies labels by means of tamping or product rotation. The family of applicators is designed to accommodate containers that have unusual shapes or are conventionally difficult to handle. Versatile mounting brackets enable the labeling head to be placed at odd angles and in proximity to other equipment. Five series of machines of varying complexity and integration potential and made to order from modular components are available in versions to apply labels via the direct-apply wipe-on method, blow-on style, or with vacuum or tamp technology. The label applicators can function as stand-alone devices, as part of the manufacturer's complete labeling systems, or as a component of the customer's existing packaging line. Re-Pack Inc., North Wales, PA; distributed by Griffin-Rutgers Company, Inc., Ronkonkoma, NY.

A versatile wipe-on applicator of pressure-sensitive labels automatically peels the label from its liner and then gently affixes it securely to the product or carton. The Alpha 86 handles labels as wide as 5.90 in. and as long as 39.0 in. at web speeds up to 200 ft/min while maintaining placement accuracy of ±0.03 in. Configurations to accommodate wider label webs are available. Made of durable cast aluminum, the label applicator can easily be adjusted for right-hand or left-hand setup and oriented to label the tops, sides, or bottoms of cartons or packages. Weber Marking Systems Inc., Arlington Heights, IL.

A labeling system designed for high accuracy is able to place labels within ±0.005 in. of the intended position. Suitable for healthcare applications, Model 3990 features a custom label application positioning system that eliminates variation that can be caused by slitting of the label web. The stepper-motor-driven labeler also uses a web path that does not add curl to thick label materials. The fixture has been engineered for rigidity and adjustability to accommodate products of different sizes. A noncontact electronic sensor ensures that the operator's hands are clear of the applicator mechanism when it is functioning. Labeling Systems Inc., Oakland, NJ.

A sleeve-type labeling system applies 360º billboard labels to contour containers at speeds of 50­800 containers per minute, depending on sleeve length. Environmentally friendly sleeve labeling is a glueless process requiring no equipment cleanup. Offering the flexibility to handle stretchable sleeve material from a variety of suppliers, the vacuumless Sleevematic system provides ±1-mm label placement accuracy and the economic advantage of accommodating thinner label film with its mandrel sleeve-opener than can be managed with vacuum-based systems. The system is available in applied-fork and direct-sleeve models. Krones Inc., Franklin, WI.

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