A newly developed thermal inkjet coding system now offers a clean, clear and high quality marking system for non-porous surfaces, with a centralised control system, ideal for pharmaceutical production lines.

A modern pharmaceutical production line is a complex piece of equipment, yet the coding used to add Lot numbers as well as Manufacturing and Expiry Dates is often kept simple. Embossing type is still widely used in blister packing machines as well as on cartoners and tube fillers. It offers a totally clean form of mark that is easy to validate and very reliable but does have limitations namely: a) it takes time to physically set the code; b) it cannot print a Datamatrix bar code or, for that matter, any form of bar code; c) ink can only be applied by means of a roller – usually only possible on a cartoner.

To date the main alternative has been continuous inkjet, but this is often avoided on the grounds of the potential for spillage of volatile liquids, the odour, and also the maintenance requirements. Laser addresses some of these concerns, but requires an extraction system and cannot always give the required contrast. Both these technologies struggle with high density prints such as  Datamatrix codes if speeds rise too high.

For many years office printers have used the thermal inkjet principle to produce high resolution images on paper. Several companies have developed the technology for use on packaging lines, but none of these units have been able to print on anything other than a porous surface as they have all been developed around a water-based ink delivery system.
All that has now changed with the launch of the Apsolute printer from APS. Through development of a range of alcohol-based inks, as well as innovations in the way the ink cartridge is driven, the Apsolute system is able to print on non-porous surfaces, including blister foils and printed and varnished cartons.
As well as being totally clean in operation, with a sealed mono-fluid print cartridge, the central controller can drive up to four printheads, meaning that codes on, for example, the blister pack and the carton can be controlled from one position: they can even be programmed to print the self same information.
With no moving parts and a solid state controller, there is no requirement for maintenance beyond changing the cartridge that also houses the complete ink delivery and handling system.

Rotech Machines is proud to be distributing this innovative new printer and is able to perform in-house demonstrations of the technology on a customer’s own packaging material. To arrange such a demonstration or for further information, please contact Rotech on either 01707 393700 or via e-mail at sales@rotechmachines.co.uk.

ENDS