AB Graphic launches Digipharma for digitally printed webs

AB Graphic International has announced the development of a new label and packaging converting line that is specifically designed to convert digitally printed webs produced on the HP Indigo 4500 digital print engine.

The new Omega Digipharma line is based on the company’s Omega Digicon brand and is aimed at pharmaceutical label production where accuracy and high quality are critical. Designed for converting, slitting and rewinding of labels up to 330mm (13”) the line is integrated with the fleyeVision system, which enables 100% print face inspection capabilities. When a flaw is detected, the machine slows down and the web stops with the defective image in a predefined position. Any further errors occurring in this production phase are stored in a memory back-up.  As soon as the defective image has reached the stop position, it is displayed on screen for correction by the operator. A detected error will then result in the web being gathered back into the festoon system where the error is positioned upon the inspection table for rectification.

Sales director Tony Bell commented: ‘Label production for the pharmaceutical industry is one of the most challenging and difficult markets to serve. Should a single label be mis-printed or missing, the entire batch may have to be rejected with the printer having to bear the cost. Added to these issues, the printer or converter often has to include variable graphics such as bar codes, manufacturing and expiry dates, local languages, lot numbers, country of origin, contact details, dosage and batch tracing. The development of the Digipharma converting system means that printers and converters as well as the packaging customer can have a high level of confidence in meeting exacting pharmaceutical demands.’

A full range of options is available for the Digipharma that include hot foil stamping, varnishing, die cutting and slitting and rewinding capabilities. An optional UV, flexographic print station can also be supplied that permits varnishing, wet laminating or cold foiling. Other options include self-wound over laminating and over laminating with carrier, super-varnishing, infeed nip modules, unwind for off-line use, daylight correction system and guillotine sheeter.