Packaging
Domino and AB Graphic Team to Provide Fully-automated Scan, Print and Inspection System for Label Applications
Tuesday 29. September 2009 - Ultimate flexibility delivered by interchangeable ink jet printing technologies
Demonstrating their ability to provide complete systems for label numbering and inspection, LabelExpo will see Domino and AB Graphic International GmbH launch a fully automated and integrated scan, print and inspection solution that offers new benefits in terms of security, speed and cost effectiveness. Showcased on stand no. 6F75, the versatile configuration comprises AB Graphics advanced new flytec 150 bi-directional 100% inspection rewinder, which will incorporate interchangeable Domino ink jet printhead technology, as well as a fleyeVision line scan camera system with database comparison to ensure that labels meet user-defined criteria.
The result offers manufacturers a high quality, fully variable digital printing system, combined with 100% OCR/barcode inspection and integrated control. In the event of a defect, the label is identified, removed, reprinted and re-inspected. Of particular benefit, is the systems ability to incorporate different variants of Dominos proven ink jet technologies according to the application in question. This enables users to select the most appropriate printer for the job at hand – be it continuous, thermal, binary or Drop on Demand – based on speed requirements and the substrate to be printed.
Efficiency-enhancing benefits via K-Series integration
At LablExpo, AB Graphic and Domino will demonstrate how the system upholds integrity in high-volume pharmaceutical printing applications. This configuration will comprise AB Graphics user-friendly, fleyeVision line scan camera system and database; two Domino K200 Drop on Demand ink jet printers; and the flytec 150 – AB Graphics multi-purpose bi-directional rewinder that combines total electronic printface inspection and label numbering in one single operating step. The flytec 150 is suitable for winding and splicing of small reels up to a web width of 250mm, winding of very soft film and paper reels, 100% printface inspection of single-track label flows and 100 % single-track barcode inspection. In addition, the machine can handle pin feed material (fan folded) stack-to-stack.
High productivity and superior variable data print quality is derived from the K-Series ability to achieve speeds of 90 metres/minute using UV-based inks. Thanks to its impressive features-set, the K-Series offers a fast and cost effective option to meet the increasing market need for on-demand printing of multiple language patient information. This allows manufacturers to maintain production line efficiencies by minimising changeover times and reducing the costs associated with wastage
As a fully automated system, the AB Graphic / Domino solution offers increased reliability above some other options available on the marketplace. Invariably more expensive, these typically require human intervention to manually inspect the printed output, a constraint that impacts upon both the workflow efficiency and ability to provide 100% error free OCR/barcode inspection. “Given the increasingly tight legislation and highly regulated nature of the pharmaceutical sector, our customers are obligated to uphold and demonstrate process control in order to guarantee supply chain integrity”, explains Philip Easton, Product Director, Commercial Printing at Domino.
“Meanwhile, the ever-present need for flexibility and high productivity in a continually cost-driven industry necessitates the integration of fully automated and integrated print, scan and inspection systems. We expect our venture with AB Graphic to offer new benefits to pharmaceutical suppliers as they strive to meet their challenging operational requirements”, adds Easton.
GAMP Compliance
Fulfilling a key requirement for all pharmaceutical-based systems, the new AB Graphic / Domino system can also be supplied with Good Automated Manufacturing Practices (GAMP 4) compliance.