The LX5194 labelling system from Sewtec Automation of Dewsbury, UK applies tamper-evident labels to single and multipack cartons for pharmaceutical products. It can also be adapted for case trace applications using 2D codes.
The system can handle a variety of pack sizes up to 67 x 85mm with a throughput of 3,200 singles and 800 multipacks per hour. Camera vision systems ensure the correct and accurate placement of labels on both the top and base of the packs. An advanced control unit, with preset memory functions, allows the easy call-up of individual settings for the different pack sizes, and changeovers can be carried out in less than five minutes.
The ability to handle both single and multipack cartons is achieved by diverting single cartons into a separate lane where they are rotated 90° and gathered into groups of four. This gives them similar overall dimensions to the multipacks and allows them to proceed through the rest of the labelling process.
Packs move through a series of stations in the machine via indexing conveyors. At the first stage, two cameras check that the packs are correctly orientated to receive the labels. As the artwork of packs can be similar on both sides, one of the cameras is dedicated to identifying the gap where the lid of the box folds into the side to check that the pack is presented the right side up for labelling.
Labels are applied to the top and bottom of the boxes at the next two stations, with a further vision system used to ensure correct placement. The label completely disintegrates on removal so a vacuum system ejects it onto a pad for subsequent placement onto the pack.
A tamp roller station wipes down the top face of the label to create a wrap around effect across the top and side of both the singles and multipacks. During the cross push onto the exit conveyor a brush similarly wipes the bottom label of the singles packs into place (the bottom label for the multipack is placed in the middle the pack base).
The packing station receives cartons in two rows simultaneously to allow faster placement into outer cases for onward despatch.
Any rejected packs are passed through the system to a reject bin for reworking. A special monitoring system ensures that the packs have cleared the machine in order to maintain full production data as part of validation requirements for pharmaceutical products.