PACKAGING RESOURCE CENTER
The Latest in New Products
Integrated Printing Services
A company has added to its installation’s packaging line an automated printing system designed to print on both the front and back of a formed blister. The line also includes integrated forming and filling of blisters containing liquids as well as applicators and swabs. The company offers blister packages for topical and oral product applications. One such package is the Twist-and-Do for premeasured-dose applicators. The package includes a flow-through applicator that doesn’t come in contact with the product until the point of use. Sonic Packaging Industries Inc., Westwood, NJ; 201/ 666-4744; www.sonicpackaging.com.
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Tray Sealer
A hand-operated tray sealer is designed for new product development and low-volume production runs. The HS300 tray sealer features an easy-load system for use with films and quick changeover. It can seal tray sizes up to 10.5 × 13 in. Haug Quality Equipment, Morgan Hill, CA; 815/479-1460; www.haugquality.com.
In-Line Printer
An in-line digital printing system can function with standard and UV toner. The DTS 1200 features 1200-dpi print resolution and anticounterfeiting capabilities such as variable data and special pigment toner that can be seen only under a specific wavelength of light. Another anticounterfeiting feature offered is a signal that is activated by the production machine and superimposes an image on a blister pack until the signal is deactivated. The machine measures 17.2 sq ft and can accommodate up to four colors, which are mounted in vertical stations designed to not add to the overall footprint. The in-line model can be equipped with an optional reel-to-reel print application. The printing quality is designed to be smudge-proof. The duroplastic resin resists heat, pressure, abrasive solvents, and autoclave treatments with hot steam. The unit also features a user-friendly human-machine interface and can be synchronized to downstream equipment. CSAT America LLC, Louisville, CO; 303/666-9993; www.csatamerica.com.
Gas-Flushing Equipment
A company offers gas-flushing equipment for atmosphere-critical parenteral applications that use low-oxygen-purging technology. The dual-laminar-flow technology produces residual oxygen levels at or below one percent at the time of sealing. The equipment is designed to increase the shelf life of parenteral products and to eliminate seal contamination caused by turbulence. An optional multiple-point oxygen-analysis system is available. Other features include precision control of container oxygen levels; a touch screen operator interface; a recipe-recall storage setting; and validation support. Victor International, representing MAP Systems, a division of Clear Lam Packaging Inc., Morristown, NJ; 973/267-8900; www.victorinternational.com.
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Barrier Package
A package developed for a smart-temperature skin patch that relieves muscle soreness is specifically designed to provide a barrier against early activation of the product. The IceWave patch is packaged in a barrier film featuring Composipac material that produces a brushed-titanium look. The look was developed to target athletic people with its high-tech graphics and neutral color scheme. It involved printing eight colors with an over-lacquer onto metallized Mylar film laminated to paperboard. The package was designed to provide a barrier to oxygen, light, and moisture. It recently won a Gold Award in the mid-web metallized process-printing category from the Flexographic Technical Association. Graphic Packaging International, Marietta, GA; 770/644-3000; www.graphicpkg.com.
