Standalone serialisation solution debuts at interpack

There is an increasing demand for serial numbers to be printed on secondary drug packaging. Superior reliability and efficiency in this context can be achieved only if printer, camera and transport modules, as well as the serialisation software, are perfectly coordinated. Atlantic Zeiser has developed a standalone system for serial numbering flat carton boxes, the DIGILINE Single 450, presented for the first time at this year’s interpack fair. According to the company, with the optional Atlantic Zeiser MEDTRACKER software, it not only ensures the utmost dependability when generating and printing codes, but also offers the best possible functional protection in case of an operator error.

The DIGILINE Single 450 system is designed for sheets and flat carton boxes measuring from 80 x 100 mm to 450 x 500 mm (W x L) and offers a print width of 36 to 210 mm. Equipped with an Omega UV inkjet printer, the system delivers deep black, high-contrast codes. The ink is said to put an end to short de-capping time and greyish tones, both defects being a constant source of complaints with cartridge-based ink systems. Furthermore, the special UV ink is highly resistant to water, alcohol and other solvents, which the company says rules out accidental smearing of the codes after printing.

Depending on the printer, the system offers a transport speed of 30 to 60 metres per minute, which corresponds to approximately 120 to 240 pharmaceutical cardboard boxes a minute. The rugged transport system, developed by machine manufacturer Kohmann, is designed for longevity and stability. Its feeder aims to allow short set-up times and format changes. The configurable elements of the DIGILINE Single 450 encompass not only the transport and printing systems but also the intermix and verification cameras. A label unit and a second printer for a helper code are available as options.

DIGILINE Single 450 can be operated without MEDTRACKER software, enabling manual production data assignment for a limited number of number ranges for different products. However, for applications with a large number of different products, MEDTRACKER can provide the required audit proof security. The software is said to manage any quantity of number ranges and data files, automatically converting the data from the incoming format to the required production format. It also permits simultaneous production on two or more lines and allows production to be switched from one machine to another quickly and securely. The production results are recorded and made available for auditing purposes.

Atlantic Zeiser, www.atlanticzeiser.com.