Packaging
HAPA SET TO IMPRESS WITH PHARMA PACK PRINTING SOLUTIONS AT INTERPACK 08
Friday 14. March 2008 - Hapa AG, the Zurich-based supplier of online pack printing technologies for the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and healthcare sectors, will showcase new additions to its flexographic and digital printer ranges, reinforcing the companys status as the leading solutions provider in its field.
The company will also introduce a hybrid flexo/digital system to deliver optimum quality, flexibility and cost-effectiveness in applications such as unit dose coding, randomisation and serialisation.
Hapa flexo printers remain the online printing technology of choice on pharmaceutical blister lines worldwide, over four decades on from launch. Fast and straightforward to set-up, the Hapa 200 series machines produce high-quality print via solvent-free UV inks. Their popularity is further enhanced by the use of a flexographic printing plate, which makes for straightforward validation and compliance with pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practice.
While printing on blister lidding foil is one of the better-known applications for the Hapa 200, the technology can be applied to a diverse range of reel-fed substrates, as will be demonstrated by products debuting at interpack.
The Hapa 210 is a narrow web printer designed for integration with conventional labelling machines to partially or fully print pre-cut self-adhesive labels in up to five colours at speeds up to 30 metres per minute. Each printing unit is fitted with a sensor to monitor label edges so that highly accurate registration is maintained throughout. The machine is also available in an offline roll-to-roll version that can be used to supply a number of labelling machines. A particular advantage of the Hapa 210 is that no special label stock is required: thanks to instantaneous UV curing of print, the system can print onto virtually any material – coated or uncoated paper, PVC and security labels. The unit is compact and easily accommodated on any packaging line.
Also new is the Hapa 260, which boasts the widest web width in the range and has been developed in co-operation with a leading medical care company. The Hapa 260 prints onto intravenous infusion bag material as an integral part of the production process. Again UV curing is key, ensuring that there is no possibility of the inks migrating through the substrate and particular attention has been paid to material handling, to avoid any mechanical stress on the web.
All Hapa 200 systems are format-free, with a pilgrim step system accommodating different print lengths. Features contributing to operator acceptance include clear, menu-driven operation via a colour touchscreen interface, simple and accurate print mat mounting by means of locator pins and easy to handle, quick change inking devices.
Launched last year, the Hapa 807 BlisterJet digital UV Drop On Demand inkjet system has been introduced to help pharmaceutical manufacturers achieve greater productivity and higher levels of Overall Equipment Effectiveness in their blister packaging operations. The first commercially-available system for late stage customisation of pre-cut pharmaceutical blisters, the Hapa 807 allows producers to make the shift from the traditional make to batch philosophy operations to a more efficient make to stock model. Its capabilities will be demonstrated at interpack on a complete late stage customisation line, operating in conjunction with an automated blister feeding system and a cartoner.
Based on the success of the Hapa 807 BlisterJet, Hapa has announced a significant strengthening of the Hapa 800 range with the launch of two new models – the CartonJet and LabelJet – enabling pharmaceutical manufacturers faced with handling many small batches of product to benefit from greater flexibility and productivity, as well as improved Overall Equipment Effectiveness across their packaging operations.
The CartonJet handles pre-folded and glued cartons, while the LabelJet is available in reel-to-reel or inline executions. Each standard system is a complete unit incorporating printer modules combined with a customised product handling and transport system, offering a full digital four colour (CMYK) approach. The LabelJet includes the intelligence to complete the current print cycle during line stoppages, thereby ensuring that there is no impact on print quality or packaging line efficiency.
The Hapa 800 series is built around UV Drop On Demand, digital printing technology. This produces extremely high quality print thanks to sophisticated drop placement, with the capacity to print at full blister, carton or label web width. The printheads operate with high specification UV inks, which are extremely resistant to both smudging and scuffing.
A unique hybrid system integrating the Hapa 237 flexo foil printer with a DOD printhead will be presented as a highly inventive solution for pharmaceutical manufacturers needing to comply with forthcoming legislation on traceability of medicines, which in some cases will mean that each pocket of each blister will be required to carry a unique code. This will facilitate tracking and tracing of product from manufacturer to dispensary and in some cases even to the point of administration, to ensure patient safety and as a weapon against the growing threat of counterfeit products entering the supply chain. Cost-effective, high quality and easy to validate flexographic print is used to produce the text and artwork that remains constant, while DOD technology provides the flexibility to deliver unique information at dose or pack level.
Also on show will be products from the Hapa 500 series, a range of digital laser engravers for fast turnaround of flexographic plates for all Hapa 200 series printers and the Hapa 700 series, a unique printing system based on a digital process but which utilises a composite screen master to ensure ease of validation and highest quality print for small batch sizes.
Commercial Director Christoph Staub says that Hapa is anticipating a highly successful interpack. “As experts in printing for pharmaceutical packs, we have to achieve the highest levels of print quality, efficiency, flexibility and proven reliability with every system we deliver,” he says. “The combination of flexographic, semi- and fully digital and hybrid printer ranges we will show at this years interpack is our most comprehensive yet, demonstrating our ability to cater for every requirement, from coding to full pack printing in full colour, whatever the batch size.”