In response to manufacturers’ need to comply with increased serialization regulations, Videojet Technologies Inc., a global leader in coding, marking and printing solutions, has introduced the 7810 Ultraviolet (UV) 2-Watt Laser, in addition to its existing CO2 and fiber laser offerings.
Laser technology is the only technology that provides permanent high resolution marking on high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and synthetic fiber materials, and this system is ideal for pharmaceutical, medical and cosmetic manufacturers as the surface of the product remains undamaged. The code is resistant to abrasives, chemicals and sterilization processes.
Specifically engineered to allow high-speed, inline marking at up to 250 products per minute (PPM), the Videojet 7810 UV Laser’s proprietary 360° Arc Software compensates for products on curved lines of movement to help ensure consistent, high-quality coding time after time, irrespective of the product orientation.
Medical device products utilizing synthetic fiber materials, such as DuPont Tyvek for sealing blister packs, are ideal for marking with the Videojet 7810 UV Laser. UV laser properties ensure that the light amplification does not burn the fabric, therefore ensuring that there is little risk of code deterioration during the sterilization process. Ink-based technology may result in reduced code quality and permanency. Medical device manufacturers can ill-afford such inconsistency, especially as they are required to adhere to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations concerning its Unique Device Identification (UDI) System. The regulations will, among other things, require all medical devices to carry a bar code, such as a 2D DataMatrix code, that must contain a lot number and expiration date. UDI compliance for Class III devices was required by September 24th, 2014, with regulations for other devices taking effect on a rolling scale until full implementation by September 24th, 2020.
According to Sascha Benke, Laser Business Manager, Videojet Technologies Inc., “Videojet is the only global UV laser supplier providing permanent, high-grade readable codes regardless of product positioning for manufacturers to consistently meet the quality requirements for optimal vision system readability, a critical element of the pharmaceutical packaging line. The pharmaceutical, medical and cosmetic industries can now feel confident about their coding integrity as the Videojet 7810 UV Laser deters tampering and counterfeiting to help ensure lifetime brand protection and traceability.”
The Videojet 7810 UV Laser features product movement compensation software, known as 360° Arc. The software acts to counterbalance the orientation of products on curved lines of movement, common with rotary systems, helping to ensure consistent, high-quality coding. As the packaging moves down the production line, multiple concave mirrors deviate the UV beam to ensure that every part of the package can be clearly coded as needed, so that at any moment in the supply chain, the product can be fully traced.
The Videojet 7810’s 360° Arc Compensation Software ensures that 2D and alphanumeric codes are consistently crisp, high resolution and undistorted by natural movement during the production process. Unlike with other laser systems, which use different wavelengths, there is no need for additives to be included in the original plastic material for the laser to react accordingly and create the appropriate contrast mark. This allows customers to integrate the UV Laser into their production, without the need to change any existing process or to undertake a long and costly revalidation process in order to benefit from a better, more effective coding solution. This pioneering advancement in marking and coding will improve manufacturing for the pharmaceutical, medical and cosmetics industries as the Videojet 7810 can quickly mark each bottle with a high contrast, permanent code.
Benke added, “Until now, there has been no complete solution on the market fulfilling the technical integration requirements of manufacturers’ packaging lines. The Videojet 7810 UV Laser achieves high resolution, clear contrast and permanent color change by photo-chemically altering the packaging’s surface using only 2 Watts of heat, avoiding damage or alteration to the surface of the packaging.”
Videojet Technologies is a world-leader in the product identification market, providing in-line printing, coding, and marking products, application specific fluids, and product life cycle services.