FDBusiness.com

A new generation print & apply labelling machine that, for the first time, allows high volume goods such as pharmaceuticals, CDs and some tobacco products to be identified at full line speed with a unique bar code is being launched by Logopak at this year’s PPMA Show.

Unlike standard print & apply machines, mostly designed for speeds up to 100 a minute, the new Logopak Logomatic 510 Rota is able to reach 240 a minute, using a six head rotary applicator. This allows application of one label as the next is printed, more than doubling machine speed.

Logopak rotary

“Issues of traceability, stock rotation and security mean there is growing demand for unit packs to be identified with unique information,” explains Logopak UK general manager Wilson Clark. “A printed bar code label carries all the data reliably, in both machine and human readable forms.”

The new machine is based on a standard Logopak 515 case labeller but with the printed labels picked up by vacuum on the rotary applicator and then transferred to the pack by direct pressure or air-blast. As a result, operation is virtually continuous motion, with no reciprocating parts.

“Standard print & apply machines will generally run happily up to 100 a minute but, above that speed, maintenance becomes a little bit of an issue or a very large issue depending on the quality of labeller selected,” explains Wilson Clark.

Logopak is now running trials of the new Logomatic 515 Rota machine on production lines at three locations in Europe.

Further exhibits at PPMA include examples of the Logopak 400 and 800 series print & apply labellers with the latest PowerLeap III control system.

Contact: Michael Maddox Tel: 01296 711604.  E-mail: m.g.maddox@btinternet.com