Packaging
New Additions To Successful Hapa 200 Series Range Set To Deliver Increased Functional Benefits And Versatility
Tuesday 29. April 2008 - Hapa AG, the Zurich-based supplier of On Demand pack printing technologies for the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and healthcare sectors, will demonstrate the versatility and reliability of its industry-renowned 200 series as it unveils innovative product developments to the hugely popular line of UV flexographic printing equipment.
Designed for in- or off-line printing of reel-fed pharmaceutical packaging substrates including foils, paper, PVC/laminates and labels, the Hapa 200 series boasts new product additions that extend the range of web widths and hence the diversity of applications accommodated. From small vial labels through to wide web printing of infusion bag materials and other packaging substrates, the latest additions to the range mean that the benefits of Just-in-Time printing are now available far beyond the traditional 200 series remit of blister foil printing.
Hapa 210
Offering 100mm web width printing – the smallest available in the 200 series range – the narrow web Hapa 210 printer represents the 200 series entry into label printing and integrates 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. 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.
Commenting on the introduction, Hapa Commercial Director, Christoph Staub, says, “Reflecting our core printing expertise, the Hapa 210 offers a host of attributes to our customers and can easily be integrated with any standard pharmaceutical industry labeller. Its launch is attracting considerable interest in both the end user and OEM communities, both recognising it as a cost-effective and efficient means of accessing Just-in-Time print capabilities, whatever the make or model of labelling machine and irrespective of whether its a new installation or a retrofit.”
Hapa 260
Underscoring Hapas prowess as the leading solutions provider in its field, the new Hapa 260 boasts a 600mm web width – the widest in the 200 series range. Developed in co-operation with a leading medical care company, the Hapa 260s first application will be printing 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.
“The Hapa 260 perfectly epitomises the innovative stance of Hapa itself and the versatility inherent in our 200 series range,” continues Staub. “Its introduction responds to market requirements for wider web applications by doubling the width of the print area relative to previous 200 series models. The combination of wider web and the capability to print onto virtually any substrate means that Hapa can now address a host of new application areas including strip, pouch and infusion bag printing, plus medical device packaging requirements involving highly specialised substrates.”
As with the entire 200 series range, a key USP of both the Hapa 210 and Hapa 260 printing systems is the ability to produce high quality solvent-free UV printing in as many colours as required. Each printing unit produces one PMS colour at a time, up to five of these 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 entire 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.