Which information does the station print on the label?

Those of your GS1-standard label: batch number, serial number, item code and the other fields of your template. Printing is handled by a high-capacity line printer, based on Zebra, Sato or Novexx, then the label is applied automatically to the nest/tub. The data source and the throughput are reviewed with SPC Machines for each project.

What does the vision system inspect?

The integrity of the nests/tubs travelling through the station. Any non-compliant nest/tub is ejected to the retrieval station; only compliant nests/tubs reach the outfeed, with compliant identification and checked integrity.

What happens to non-compliant nests/tubs?

They are ejected after vision inspection and routed to a retrieval station. That station has a second printing system, independent of the line printer: handling non-conformances does not tie up the main printer.

Is the station suited to a regulated pharmaceutical site?

It is designed for pharmaceutical production units: 316L stainless steel frame, Siemens PLC control with a touchscreen HMI, internal audit trail and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance. Requirements specific to your site, such as the class of the installation area, are reviewed with SPC Machines.

Which label printers are fitted to the station?

The station relies on a Zebra, Sato or Novexx printer base. The high-capacity line printer prints the GS1 labels; the retrieval station has its own printing system, independent of the first.

GS1 identification and labelling station for syringe nests/tubs, stainless steel overview with label reel

Packaging machine

SPC MACHINES

GS1 Identification and Labelling Station for Syringes in Nests/Tubs

Automatic GS1 label printing and application (batch, serial number, item code) on syringe nests/tubs, vision integrity check and a dedicated retrieval station.

Who is it for?

The station is aimed at pharmaceutical production units that handle syringes packed in nests/tubs and must identify every tub with a GS1-standard label, then check its integrity. It takes in nests/tubs that arrive without identification and with unchecked integrity, and returns them identified and inspected. Like every SPC machine, it is tailored to the needs of each site.

How does the station work?

Nests/tubs travel through the station from infeed to outfeed: they are identified, inspected, then sorted. The cycle runs in 5 steps:

Nest/tub feeding, still without identification and with unchecked integrity
GS1 label printing — batch number, serial number, item code — by the high-capacity line printer
Automatic application of the identification label on the tub
Vision-based integrity inspection of the nests/tubs
Outfeed sorting: compliant nests/tubs continue on their way, non-compliant ones are ejected to the retrieval station, fitted with a second, independent printing system

Key features

Automatic application of GS1-standard identification labels on syringe nests/tubs
Your GS1 label data printed by the station: batch number, serial number, item code…
High-capacity line printer, based on Zebra, Sato or Novexx
Vision-based integrity inspection of nests/tubs
Non-compliant nests/tubs ejected to a dedicated retrieval station
Second, independent printing system at the non-conformance retrieval station
Siemens PLCs, touchscreen HMI, internal audit trail and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance
316L stainless steel frame, design suited to pharmaceutical production units

Specifications

Technical specifications

Handled containers: syringes packed in nests/tubs
Labelling technology: printing then automatic application of identification labels
Label: GS1-standard: batch number, serial number, item code…
Printers: Zebra, Sato, Novexx — high-capacity line printer
Vision inspection: nest/tub integrity
Non-conformance handling: ejection after vision inspection, retrieval station fitted with a second, independent printing system
Indirect contact / structure: 316L stainless steel frame
Control system: Siemens PLCs
HMI: touchscreen
Data integrity: internal audit trail, 21 CFR Part 11 compliance

Compliance

FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (internal audit trail)
GS1-standard identification labels
316L stainless steel frame
Design suited to pharmaceutical production units

Use cases

Typical use cases

Pharmaceutical production units: GS1 identification and integrity inspection of syringe nests/tubs that arrive without identification or inspection.
Batch traceability: batch number, serial number and item code printed on every tub, following the site's GS1 label template.
Sites subject to 21 CFR Part 11: identification operations controlled by Siemens PLCs, with an internal audit trail.
Non-conformance handling: nests/tubs set aside after vision inspection and dealt with at a dedicated station that has its own printer, independent of the line printer.
Sites standardised on Zebra, Sato or Novexx: the station relies on one of these printer bases for GS1 label printing.