Medical Device Link.

Originally Published PMPN July 2003

PRODUCT UPDATE

Systems print and apply labels to provide information and identify products. 

EconoLine

A pressure-sensitive labeling system can be configured for front and back or wraparound applications. The machine can reach speeds of up to 100 parts per minute. EconoLine was specifically designed to set a new low-price standard and fill the gap between slow, semiautomatic labelers and other in-line labeling systems. It uses a 6-ft-long conveyor with adjustable conveyor height. Label applicators feature leadscrew, no-tool adjustments. A simple microprocessor controller allows reliable label dispense accuracy and time delay adjustments. Simple and reliable, the system is suitable for hand loading or slow-speed in-line applications. Quadrel Labeling Systems, Mentor, OH; 800/321-8509; www. quadrel.com.

Print and Apply Labeler

A print and apply labeling system can be integrated with any of the major brands of print engines, such as Sato, Zebra, and Datamax, and their high-quality 203-, 300-, or 600-dpi print-heads. Hot-stamp or ink-jet coding systems can also be integrated. The labeling head may be configured for a variety of applications including tamp apply, blow-on, tamp/blow, wing tamp, multipanel tamp (including corner wrap labeling), and cage style, which enables long, narrow labels to be applied directly to the side of a product. The system’s design is open-framed and modular so different types of machinery can be created from the same base components. This allows for systems to be modified to suit customers’ requirements as their needs change. Griffin-Rutgers Company, Inc., Ronkonkoma, NY; 800/237-6713; www.griffin-rutgers.com.

Model 250 

A label printer applicator prints and applies variable-information labels using a thermal-transfer process. The labels are flagged around wire, tubes, and cables. This semiautomatic system uses a jig fixture to hold the product in place during the labeling process. These jigs can be customized for each application allowing for a range of product diameters to be labeled. The applicator can be mounted to the floor, bringing the jig fixture to a comfortable table-height position. The print engine prints and dispenses a label onto a tamp pad. The printed label is then held in place on the pad until the operator triggers the applicator with a foot pedal. After the applicator receives the go signal, the tamp pad moves up to the product and closes the label around it, creating a flag. Product and label sensors can be used to specify where the label is to be applied, with accuracy up to 1¼8 in. ID Technology, Fort Worth, TX; 888/438-3242; www.idtechnology.com. 

Model 1550

A print and apply labeler for vials uses a stepper motor indexing product handling system, which ensures very low skew label application. A bar code scanner reads a bar code on the vial, then transmits the data to the system for that particular vial. The thermal- transfer printer receives the data and then prints and applies the label onto the vial via a driven roller applicator. The applicator spins the product during application. At another index station, a sensor checks that the label has been applied. If no label is detected, the vial is ejected from the system. The system can be integrated in-line with filling and capping equipment. Labeling Systems Inc., Oakland, NJ; 201/405-0767; lsi@labelingsystems.com. 

Model 3125

A wipe-on labeler applies pressure-sensitive labels at speeds of up to 2500 in. of web per minute. The labeler’s advanced automatic speed following feature matches its speed to varying product input speed to ensure accurate labeling within 1¼64 in. Features include automatic label setup, zero downtime labeling, and a large R3 digital controller display that is easily readable, rotates for operator viewing from any position, and can be set up for remote viewing. Automatic labeling setup enables operators to preprogram Model 3125 for multiple label sizes and configurations for quick production changeover. The digital display offers five user-selectable languages, domestic or CE configurations, and standard or metric units. Label-Aire Inc., Fullerton, CA; 714/441-0700; www.label-aire.com.  

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