EQUIPMENT NEWS : Syringe and pipette printers

EQUIPMENT NEWS

Syringe and pipette printers

Direct product printing equipment can be used to mark pipettes, syringes, catheters, and centrifuge tubes. Standard machines include medium-speed arc, high-speed mandrelized, and high-speed convolute printers. The arc printer can feed, treat, print, dry, and exit up to 300 syringes per minute, and accepts 2-, 3-, and 5-cm³ syringes. The mandrelized printer, designed for thin-walled syringes, handles up to 500 per minute. The convolute printer, designed primarily for large, rigid syringes, can operate at more than 550 parts per minute. Apex Machine Co., 3000 N.E. 12th Terr., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334.

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Laser marking systems

Three lines of laser marking systems can be used on virtually all medical products, including tubing, syringes and syringe caps, surgical or dental tools, IV bags, and implants. The systems permanently and cleanly mark date and batch codes, bar codes, 2-D symbologies, graphics, and logos. These markings, readable with machines or by eye, can be used for product traceability on plastics, metals, glass, rubber, and paper. Lumonics Corp., P.O. Box 9010, Oxnard, CA 93031.

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Turnkey labeling systems

Integrated labeling systems incorporating infeed conveyor, product orienters, label applicator, bar code verifier, label-on-package verifier, package rejecter, and outfeed conveyor are available as complete systems or individual components. Labels can be applied to a variety of products. Wipe-on application ensures accurate and consistent label application on packages. The systems are available in stainless steel or painted, and a variety of conveyor belt materials can be specified. Labelmation, div. of Technomation, 3408 South 1400 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84119.

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Four-color printer

A digital, four-color thermal-transfer label printer can print on both sides of labels simultaneously; it can also cut and stack them for easy access. The QuickLabel-4 requires no printing plates, inks, toners, or hot-stamp dies. Label data go directly from a PC to the printer, allowing variable data to be altered during printing. The unit operates without hesitation between labels at speeds up to 5 in./sec even when a different database field is selected for each successive label. Astro-Med Inc., Astro-Med Industrial Park, West Warwick, RI 02893.

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Microprocessor-controlled labeler

A microprocessor-controlled label applicator provides precise label placement and reduces downtime with automatic web-break, end-of-label-supply, and missing label detection. The microprocessor eliminates the need for costly add-ons. The 2330 wraparound labeler can apply pressure-sensitive labels to all types of cylindrical packaging, including glass, plastics, and metals. The machine, which can label up to 350 products per minute, allows easy integration of hot-stamp imprinters and ink-jet and thermal-transfer printers for printing batch, date, and lot code information. Willett Labeljet, 6318-C Airport Fwy., Ft. Worth, TX 76117.

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Printing plates

A wide range of photopolymer and rubber printing plates for unit dose, pharmaceutical, and medical packaging applications are available. Plates are tailored to the specific equipment and substrate used. Manufacturing is performed in a GMP environment and complies with industry standards. Quint Co., 3725-26 Castor Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19124.

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Portable label printers

Thermal printers for bar code labeling are designed with functionality and portability in mind. The Panther line consists of five models that operate in direct thermal mode and range in print width from 2 to 4 in. and in weight from 1.25 to 3.3 lb. All models meet the need for on-the-move printing and produce bar codes, text, and graphics in on-site labeling environments. The printers produce images of 203-dpi resolution. They support an RS-232 serial interface for one- or two-way communication to a terminal or other host. Other features include programmable inactivity shutoff, label odometer with on-demand terminal reporting, and removable nicad battery pack with a charge duration of 2000—3000 labels. Datamax, 4501 Parkway Commerce Blvd., Orlando, FL 32808.

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