Packaging
Hapa 200 Series Gets Speed Boost And Late Stage Customisation Capabilities At interpack 2008
Monday 28. April 2008 - Hapa AG, the Zurich-based supplier of On Demand pack printing technologies for the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and healthcare sectors, will use interpack to premier a powerful new addition to its best-selling 200 series range of UV flexographic printers.
The Hapa 237 has been developed in response to changes in the traditional patterns of blister pack production, with batch sizes reducing while pack complexity increases. Blister machine manufacturers have responded to this trend by developing blister packers and blister/cartoner combinations designed specifically to cope with short batch production in an efficient manner. Typically these feature a high output relative to footprint, achieved via increased web speeds or widths, or a combination of both.
With the introduction of the Hapa 237, the company is offering a high speed foil printer that – with a print speed of over 30 metres/minute – is compatible with the fastest of these new generation blister machines. Capable of handling foil webs ranging from 122 to 370mm and with a maximum print width of 360mm, it is suitable for single and multi-lane blister production, on either continuous or intermittent motion machines. Simultaneously, the option of integrating a Drop on Demand (DOD) inkjet printhead allows digital production of batch-specific variable data, serialisation and product traceability information.
The speed boost on the new machine is achieved thanks to two key factors, the first being a faster, constantly moving print cylinder, which is also seen on the Hapa 210 label printer. Secondly, it features a pilgrim step system for alignment of foil and cylinder at each print cycle to ensure accurate placement and registration both along the web and laterally. Pilgrim step technology is also crucial to the format-free nature of the Hapa 237, since it allows different print lengths for different jobs to be accommodated. The need for job-specific print cylinders is therefore eliminated, keeping operating costs low and batch changeover time to the minimum.
In blister pack production variable data, such as batch/lot and expiry dates, has traditionally been applied in a number of ways, including embossed codes produced as part of the blister sealing and die-cutting operation or ancillary coding systems such as laser or continuous inkjet. It can also be reproduced on a Hapa flexo system via a customised strip that is mounted on the print cylinder alongside the standard artwork at the start of each batch.
The Hapa 237 hybrid to be shown at interpack is a new and unique solution which combines cost-effective flexo to reproduce the standard artwork, while flexible DOD inkjet is employed to produce the batch-specific variable data and serialised information.
Flexo and digital operations are both managed via a single user interface. As with the 800 series DOD technology, the simplicity of operation and integration belies complex behind the scenes functionality to ensure compliance with the stringent validation requirements of the pharmaceutical sector.
The Hapa 237 hybrid is, explains the companys Commercial Director, Christoph Staub, highly significant from a strategic point of view. “Hapa has the longest history and the most distinguished pedigree in On Demand Printing for pharmaceutical packs. We are therefore able to assess market needs and to evaluate the most appropriate technology or combination of technologies to meet emerging requirements. Serialisation is a case in point: Hapa was among the first to market with a fully digital solution that is ideal for micro-batches and clinical trials applications,” he says.
“For batch sizes of a thousand units or fewer, users have the option of printing both constant and variable data with a fully digital system such as the Hapa 800, however, digital technology becomes less cost-effective where runs are in the tens or hundreds of thousands. Combining flexo to produce the bulk of the print with digital for the variable data was therefore absolutely logical for us,” continues Staub. “With a portfolio of technologies that includes flexo, digital and digital plus composite screen master, Hapa is uniquely able to deliver an appropriate, value-creating solution in every application. The degree of interest already expressed in the Hapa 237 concept leads us to believe that its future prospects are bright indeed.”
The Hapa 237 is based on proven UV flexo technology, which is safe, simple and clean to use in the pharmaceutical environment. In its simplest execution, the machine features a single printing unit for printing one Pantone Matching System colour. Up to five printing units can be cascaded to allow true multicolour printing. Colour changes can be made within seconds by simply exchanging the machines inking device.
Hapa 200 series printers are recognised the world over for their quality, process safety and ease of use. The range is format-free, with different print lengths accommodated by a pilgrim step system, eliminating the need for job-specific print cylinders and making for fast and straightforward set-up. Operator acceptance is further enhanced by 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.