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Sessions of York has responded to the rigorous label printing requirements of the pharmaceutical industry with the development of a new print and apply labeller – including camera inspection system – which ensures the complete accuracy of printed information.

Using its popular and well-proven SPA 924 Series of Printer/Applicators as the basis for the combined print, apply and inspection unit, Sessions has installed an intelligent camera system which is able to recognise the text on labels printed by the SPA924 and verify or reject as required. The machine is ideal for product runs where text may change between individual labels, for example patient or product information, and accuracy is crucial.

The camera and printer are updated with text detail simultaneously and so pre-programmed to recognise every detail on each label immediately after it is printed. In the event of a fail, the machine stops automatically and the operator is alerted to the incorrect print. The camera system is also able to confirm that the label has been applied to the correct corresponding item, further ensuring the highest level of security and accuracy.

Available in either thermal transfer or direct thermal configurations, the SPA 924 Series has three print widths of four, five and six inches, and is capable of dealing with a large variety of packaging, from blister packs to outer boxes. In addition, the machines include near edge print technology with 12 dots/mm resolution and have foil save as standard, starting from a 6mm non-print area. The printer has 17 standard fonts and includes all common ID barcodes.

Robustly designed and built, the labellers are ideally suited to virtually any industrial application.