PERFORMANCE, PACKAGED

NJM Packaging and OPTEL to Showcase Track & Trace Solutions at Healthcare Packaging Expo

Sep 12, 2017

NJM features their pressure-sensitive labeler integrated with an OPTEL bottle tracker, providing efficient, affordable compliance solutions, ideal for pharmaceutical manufacturers and packagers. (Healthcare Packaging Expo Booth # N-307 and #N-309)

MONTREAL - NJM Packaging, (NJM), powered by ProMach, and OPTEL will be showcasing their track & trace solutions at the Healthcare Packaging Expo in Las Vegas, September 25-27, where NJM's Trotter W pressure-sensitive labeler will be integrated with OPTEL's BottleTracker™. This integrated system achieves in-line serialization and facilitates accurate aggregation at secondary packaging on automated lines to maximize manufacturing efficiencies. It enables pharmaceutical manufacturers and contract packers to easily and affordably comply with traceability requirements. (NJM displays the Trotter W at Healthcare Packaging Expo Booth #N-307, and Booth #N-309 features the OPTEL BottleTracker).NJM Trotter W and OPTEL Track & Trace Solutions

NJM's Trotter W labeler is dedicated to the wrap-around labeling of round containers at speeds of up to 150 bpm. It can be equipped with a thermal transfer and/or laser printer to print serialized 2D barcodes and alphanumeric codes, lot numbers, expiration dates and more onto preprinted pressure-sensitive labels during the labeling operation. OPTEL's vision system inspects the variable data on the web and the labels on the bottles, and an automated reject device removes any abnormalities from the production line. For customers that need higher speeds and/or to label other bottle shapes, NJM offers other labelers for integration with OPTEL's BottleTracker™.

After labeling, the BottleTracker™ marks the bottom of each bottle with a 'unique identifier' in black or UV ink using a continuous inkjet printer. OPTEL's vision system verifies the components and associates each unique identifier to the serialized code. This approach facilitates precise aggregation at secondary packaging by enabling that downstream vision system to capture one image of the entire group of bottles. A group of bottles could comprise a bundle at the bundler or a layer at the case packer, with the unique identifier of each bottle in that group visible.

Compared to traditional 'first in, first out' aggregation systems, which track each bottle coming into the bundler or case packer, this NJM/OPTEL system reduces errors to improve compliance and maximize production efficiencies. It helps product manufacturers and contract packers ensure consumer safety and protect brand integrity by authenticating product pedigrees while limiting the risk of product recalls, litigation and settlements.

The Trotter W and BottleTracker™ can be equipped to handle various inspections, including the presence and placement of labels, topserts and sideserts. The NJM labeler and OPTEL BottleTracker™ seamlessly connect with the OPTEL systems to verify, report and manage the serial numbers, including those associated with bottles that are rejected, reworked and reintroduced.

Upstream of the BottleTracker's™ inkjet printer, cameras inspect bottle bottoms to verify that they have either no unique identifier or a valid unique identifier, which enables operators to reintroduce previously marked bottles that were rejected and reworked. Bottles with no unique identifier are marked, bottles with a valid unique identifier pass without being marked again, and improperly marked bottles are automatically ejected from the line.

The Trotter W handles cylindrical containers, including spray cans, from 1 to 8 inches (25 to 203 mm) in height and 0.5 to 4 inches (12.7 to 101 mm) in diameter as a standard, with up to 5 inches (127 mm) in diameter as an option. It can be changed over to handle a new container size in less than 15 minutes, with no tools required and often no change parts. NJM can equip this labeler with an optional wrap drum wheel or wrap belt to handle the widest range of container sizes. With a standard friction wheel infeed, the Trotter W achieves speeds of up to 120 bpm while the optional starwheel infeed and motorized rewind enable the Trotter W to label small containers such as vials at speeds of up to 150 bpm.

By dedicating the system to the wrap labeling of round containers, NJM maximizes the simplicity of the machine and offers a compact footprint that is only 4 feet (1.2 m) wide and 10 feet (3 m) long. High quality components, heavy duty construction, an open frame, raised bed conveyor and the servo driven label dispenser contribute to repeatable performance and low maintenance for rugged reliability.

An Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1400 PLC controls the Trotter W's machine functions, and an Allen-Bradley Panel View 800 HMI offers advanced features and simple programming on a 7-inch color touchscreen.

Be sure to stop by Healthcare Packaging Expo Booths #N-307 and #N-309 to see these exciting NJM and OPTEL integrated track and trace solutions. For more information about NJM's "total solution" approach that includes full validation support and turnkey line integration services to seamlessly combine best-in-class technologies, including serialized and aggregated production lines comprised of primary and secondary packaging through bundling, call 603.448.0300 and visit NJM Packaging.com. NJM's world-class aftersales support includes standard and extended warranties, preventative maintenance programs and onsite installation, training, and ongoing service.

About ProMach

ProMach is a family of best-in-class packaging and processing solution brands serving manufacturers of all sizes and geographies in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, and household and industrial goods industries. ProMach brands operate across the entire production line: processing, filling, bottling and capping, decorative labeling, flexibles and trays, pharma, handling and sterilizing, labeling and coding, and robotics and end of line. ProMach also provides systems and integration including turnkey solutions, design/build, engineering services, and productivity software to optimize production line design and deliver maximum uptime.

ProMach designs, manufactures, integrates, and supports the most sophisticated and advanced packaging and processing solutions in the global marketplace. Its diverse customer base, from Fortune 500 companies to smaller, privately-held businesses worldwide, depends on reliable, flexible, technologically advanced equipment and integrated solutions. ProMach is headquartered near Cincinnati, Ohio, with manufacturing facilities and offices throughout North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. For more information about ProMach, visit www.ProMachBuilt.com and for more information on ProMach Careers, visit www.ProMachCareers.com.