ixPressia announced in a press release on 16 December 2008 that their Print Engine software is being used in a pharmaceutical production and packaging line. ixPressia\’s print engine mono label software has been fully integrated into G-MAT’s production line inkjet printer, enabling the pharmaceutical manufacturer to print information directly onto foil blister packs. The software controls the printer, and allows fully variable data printing, so that text and images can be varied, such as use-by dates, language, bar codes and batch numbers. If required each blister pack could have entirely different information printed on it.
The blister printing machine, which features Xaar 760 inkjet print heads, was designed by G-MAT as a bespoke machine to deliver the technical requirements of the customer, producing high quality printing, and late stage customization at the speed of the production line (240 blisters a minute).
Rod Mitchell, Technical Director of G-MAT says, “The ixPressia print engine mono label software presented the ideal solution for us. The software allows late stage customization, and marking individual blisters with unique information if required. The end-user has the option of designing the blister print image away from the line and then sending the information to the printer. The system is ideal for applications needing the security of individual coding for tracking and tracing of products, and brand protection.”
Jim Taylor, MD of ixPressia explains, “The variable information is sent to the printheads in real time, with no delay, so the printer can run at the full speed of the printheads. Our software has been designed to be production-ready for industrial applications such as this, and we are delighted that it has been integrated into the system successfully.”
Declan Kelly, Project Engineer, Schering-Plough, the end customer comments, “The machine represents a step forward for blister printing. The print quality and flexibility are excellent; also the blister handling provides significant advantages for a production environment.”
ixPressia software helps G-MAT print on pharmaceutical blister packs
inkjet, software, variable data, track and trace, pharmaceutical packaging