BL A420 CW FOR TRACK AND TRACE: AN EVEN MORE COMPACT SOLUTION THANKS TO A LOAD CELL FULLY INTEGRATED ON THE MACHINE

At Interpack, customers and professionals will be able to take a look at the new labeller BL A420 CW for Track and Trace requirements developed by Neri, the branch of the Marchesini Group specialises in carton labelling and tracking machines.

The model exhibited has a load cell fully integrated into the stepper conveyance system. This solution is much more compact than the classic solution (where the weighing unit is coupled in-line) and than the version of main competitors of the market, who offer solutions having weighing units with their own independent conveyance system. 

The machine can process up to 400 cartons per minute.
 

Technical features 

The cartons are fed and accumulated in-line on the inlet belt to ensure a continuous flow of products, even at high speeds. A patented timing device positions and sets the cartons apart correctly on the toothed belts with adjustable opening, which also prevent slipping.

The function of the timing device is to set the cartons at the correct distance apart; its special feature is that it is synchronised with the speed of the whole conveyance system and there is no need for any size change-over adjustments.  

A load cell is fully integrated into the stepper conveyance system and is able to check the weight of each carton. By integrating the load cell into the toothed belt system of the BL A420 CW, it is able to verify the position of the cartons at all times: if the weight is correct, the product undergoes the subsequent processes (serialization, marking and sealing), then it is sent to the next machine; if on the other hand the weight is not correct, the subsequent processes are skipped and the carton is rejected, according to the “Fail Safe” operating logic.

The first operation to be performed after the cartons have been positioned is that of applying the vignette on the upper panel of the cartons; then, the unique 2D code (Datamatrix) and the corresponding human readable data are printed on the side flaps and sometimes on the upper panel. The unique code identifies and makes it possible to track each carton.

A camera then verifies both the codes and the readable data. Once the code has been completed in this way, two self-adhesive Tamper Evident seals are then applied on the corner closing points of the cartons. 

All the label dispensing units are driven by servomotors, whose speeds are synchronised automatically with those of the carton conveyance system.

During these phases, the use of the “Fail Safe” operating logic means that only “correct” cartons are sent to the machine downstream, while the others are identified and rejected.

The model showcased is equipped with a new operator interface called “Easy Door”. This version has several improvements from both a functional and aesthetic point of view. The new software makes the operating system more powerful and faster. The wider screen is more ergonomic and much more sensitive, similar to that of a mobile phone.

The high level of flexibility of the BL A420 CW means that all types of printing and vision systems available can be installed on it, which can be customised according to all the current standards worldwide. This special feature makes the BL A420 CW the most suitable and complete machine for tracking, serialising and labelling cartons, giving a unique identity to all the pharmaceutical products packaged.