End of line CIP-13 coding

In the last blog we spoke about the advantages of offline overprinting: one of them being the ability to print information on the pack that it's difficult to print online. Generally, offline coding is performed on the before the packaging meets the product, but there may be instances when it is more appropriate to print the pack after it is filled. One such case is the addition of a CIP-13 datamatrix bar code to the end flap of a pharmaceutical carton.

The photograph shows a compact conveyor fitted with an Apsolute V1 thermal inkjet printer - an ideal unit for datamatrix codes as it produces a very high resoution print that gives perfect, square, pixels (unlike continuous inkjet printers). Although this is a stand-alone unit which be thought of as an offline overprinter, it can be placed at the point where product is discharged from the cartoner and used online.

The CIP-13 legislation states that the datamatrix bar code must be printed to an acceptable standard (defined on a scale of 1(Grade E) to 5(Grade A) as having a score of at least 3 - or Grade C). Some of the criteria used to derive the score relate to the contrast and shape of each pixel, but others relate to the overall geometry of the barcode: something directly related to the way the product passes in front of the print cartridge. The Rotech conveyor system has a dead plate for the carton to pass over to ensure vertical stability and consistency of motion is guaranteed by the use of a special belt material and an optional top pressure guide.

Rotech can also supply a scanning system to check the quality of the code and, in conjunction with an online verification system, can reject faulty packs from the end of the conveyor.

If you feel this system could bring benefits to your production process or if you are having to gear-up for CIP13 requirements, by all means give us a call.