SubscribeProSport use Rotech's thermal transfer system for off-line pouch printing
When SSL International launched ProSport - a new range of compression hosiery for sports use - they adopted an innovative resealable pouch to both package the product and to protect it when not it use. Being classed as a medical device, the pouch had to carry both a batch code and an expiry date. In addition, size information had to be added along with an EAN bar code.
With thousands of the products being packed each week, there was a requirement to print the pouches automatically off-line, which is where Rotech came in. Their Feeder 250, fitted with a Bell-Mark Thermal Transfer printer, was designed exactly for this type of application, but this was the first time they'd seen this type of resealable pouch. After some development work, a modification was devised that could handle the variation in thickness and Rotech were favoured with SSL's order.
Of course, there was the matter of printing to attend to and trials were performed to ensure the correct grade of Thermal Transfer Ribbon was selected that would not degrade over the life of the product. Finally a bar code scanner was added so that the batch code, expiry date and bar code data could simply be scanned from the factory job sheet, eliminating any possibility for human error.
Please click here for a video of Rotech's pouch printing machines
Stephen Groombridge, Production Project Manager at SSL's Redruth facility comments "We have been impressed with Rotech's professionalism, innovation and levels of support. The printing of the pouches was a key part of the project and we are delighted with the solution that has been provided to us".