In February 2019, tamper evidence will become mandatory for many pharmaceutical products in the European Union. However, many pharmaceutical manufacturers and packaging contractors have not yet retrofitted their equipment – and are now preparing for a final spurt. The effects of those efforts are most keenly felt by manufacturers of packaging and identification lines. At this year’s ACHEMA trade show in Frankfurt, labelling expert HERMA (hall 3.1, booth F57) will therefore exhibit three new tamper-evident modules, showcasing how mechanical engineers can very efficiently equip their packaging plants while simultaneously processing large quantities. The exhibit will include three different modules: “We will present a solution for speeds up to approximately 40 m/min, a solution for higher speeds featuring motorised components, e.g. for winding and unwinding, and a solution for especially tight spaces”, explains Raffaele Altilio, head of key account management at HERMA’s Labelling Machines Division. All of the three solutions include two high-performance HERMA 400 label applicators that can be arranged to cover all standard positions of tamper-evident labels on the side flaps of folding cartons. Due to its compact size, the HERMA 400 is especially suited for integration into packaging lines: HERMA was the first supplier to successfully integrate the control unit into the labelling machine in serial production, rendering separate control cabinets unnecessary. “With this achievement, HERMA has set a global benchmark, and now has by far the most extensive experience in this field”, says Altilio.
Several thousand label applicators per year
Besides a compact size and high performance, the HERMA 400 – and thus the tamper-evident modules – provide another important benefit: they are manufactured in large numbers on a synchronised assembly line at HERMA. In case of the HERMA 400 label applicator, the total now amounts to several thousand units per year. “This may well be unique worldwide. It results in a high degree of process reliability during the production of the label applicators, but also regarding processes for pharmaceutical manufacturers and system integrators”, says Martin Kühl who heads HERMA’s Labelling Machines Division. “The tamper-evident modules are based on the same standard HERMA 400 components that are used for other tasks and industries. Our modular design therefore results in customised yet ready-made machines, allowing us to meet the individual requirements of specific plant manufacturers.”
