Labelling "just in time" without wear

Communiqués de presse Systèmes d'étiquetage

07. Septembre 2010

Stocks of pre-printed labels becoming increasingly superfluous /
Even with the smallest lettering, laser-active labels allow all the necessary data to be printed fast and crystal-clear – with the utmost reliability /The system puts an end to production downtimes for making adjustments or changing consumables

Extremely reliable, wear-free and high-resolution labelling – even with the smallest font sizes, laser-active labels are now revolutionising the practice of labelling in the pharmaceutical sector as well, and not only because of safety considerations. They also contribute much to reducing the generally costly stock-keeping of preprinted labels. The underlying principle has already proven its worth in other industries, so that the self-adhesive solutions specialist is attending the Fachpack trade fair (hall 3, booth 3-107) to present for the first time a laser solution tailored specifically to the pharmaceutical sector. The unique coordinated system was developed in conjunction with the labelling technology experts of KBA-Metronic. It consists of laser-active labels and a machine for wrap-around labelling with an integrated laser unit. Production interruptions are avoided because the printing system does not require any consumables or readjustment, and operates without wear.

No resetting, even with changing formats
In view of its outstanding reliability, the system is ideal for final marking applications, such as the printing of batch information. But it also enables companies to dispense entirely with preprinted labels – all the necessary information can now be printed "just in time". And once the laser system, complete with coordinated modules, has been commissioned, moreover, no further equipment modifications are required, even if different labels or label formats are used from time to time.

Non-smudge and scratch-resistant images
The system operates with the 002-type laser-active labels produced by HERMA. The labels' special finish allows the KBA-Metronic K-1000 CO2 laser to apply black inscriptions in the designated place. The printed image is always very sharp, whether plain text, a graphic and/or a code. The maximum printing area is 250 x 250 mm. Since the laser does not remove any material, no smudge able particles arise and the label is not damaged at all. The removal of residues or waste by suction is therefore unnecessary. The laser produces a non-smudge and scratch-resistant printed image. Both paper labels and labels laminated with OPP film are available.

Since 2009, HERMA has originated a series of customised solutions on this basis, including for Ardex, a leading speciality supplier of construction chemical products, and Mey bodywear. The labels have also been independently tested by ISEGA and approved for use on food packaging.

Equipped with monitoring camera
The HERMA 132 M labelling system is set up for wrap-around labelling. Thanks to its continuously rotating star wheel, the machine can process as many as 400 products a minute. For deployment in the pharmaceutical industry, it is equipped with a camera control system, a reject unit for unconfirmed labels, and an ejector for unlabelled products. At the core of the system is the HERMA 400 high-speed labeller, which has a high-performance servo drive.

Brief profile of HERMA
Located in Filderstadt near Stuttgart (Germany), HERMA GmbH is a leading European specialist in self-adhesive technology. In the 2009 financial year, the HERMA group generated sales of around €200m with almost 800 employees in three divisions – self-adhesive materials, labels and machines. The export ratio was around 53 %.