Sherwood Tech launches tablet laser-marking method
solution for laser marking edible products such as pharmaceutical
tablets, which represents a method that is expected to increase
productivity and produce better image resolution and marking.
In the pharmaceutical market, the goals of eliminating medication errors and counterfeiting and enhancing traceability are driving the industry towards 'on product' marking of tablets and capsules with precise details relating to the medication, dosage, origin and patient.
This often requires the use of data rich symbology such as 2D codes, which can be machine verified. Such codes are required to be placed in very small areas with a precision beyond traditional marking techniques.
With a UK Patent already granted, a DataLase 'edible composition' has been developed for the use in pharmaceutical tablet or confectionery coatings. DataLase Edible allows an expanding range of products to be marked using CO2 lasers. The additives, which come in the form of a dry powder or water-based solution, are applied to the surface of the product via a spray system or by tumble coating and then marked by a low power CO2 laser.
The coating undergoes a safe colour-change process, creating a high contrast, stable image that is produced from 100 per cent edible components. Due to the sensitivity of the coating to the laser light, only a fraction of the laser energy that would be required to etch or burn an image into the surface is used, preserving the integrity of the surface of the edible material being marked.
This new generation, patented additive allows a high contrast image to be formed directly onto edible products. The process utilises a unique chemistry, which reacts with a beam of low power laser light, changing colour, and thereby creating a positive image.
Additional benefits include the elimination of high energy consuming labelling systems, and lower overhead costs. The technique offers the manufacturer the ability to digitally mark data rich variable information with absolute precision. By introducing this technique to the marking process, significant inroads into addressing the needs of the pharmaceutical markets can be met.
The release of the DataLase Edible is in anticipation of specific market drivers that are expected to introduce this method of labelling within the industry. Legislative initiatives such as FDA 21 CFR11 in the Pharmaceutical sector require more specific variable data to tie prescribed medication and dosage information to individual patients.
The clarity and indelibility of information containing codes is paramount, and existing methods are often found wanting. The ability to 'imbed' DataLase within a Laminate or beneath the surface of a clear film or label could be seen as a significant advantage.
Moves away from 'difficult to read' embossed codes on Pharma cartons and blister packs will also drive the use of DataLase.
