NJM, a ProMach product brand, has introduced the Courser™ 230 vial/syringe labeler. Featuring a trunnion starwheel for positive handling, the compact labeler can be designed to run various packages for pharmaceutical manufacturers, contract packers, 503B pharmacies, biotech companies and others running small batch sizes. Courser also maximizes production versatility and speeds changeover while saving floor space.

NJM can configure each Courser to label vials, syringes, bottles, ampules, cartridges, centrifuge tubes, auto-injectors and other small or unstable packages. It achieves speeds of up to 250 vials per minute and 200 syringes per minute. An option for orienting packages allows for specific label placement, such as for containers with a flange or graduation, at speeds of up to 100 ppm.

Courser is suitable for clear and opaque plastic, metallic and paper labels, and achieves a label placement accuracy of +/- 1/32 inches (1mm). It applies wraparound, pressure sensitive labels from 0.625 to 3.5 inches (16 to 89mm) high and 0.625 to 6.5 inches (16 to 165mm) long. It handles vials from 0.56 to 2 inches (14 to 50mm) in diameter and 0.75 to 3.75 inches (20 to 95mm) in height, and it handles syringes from 0.25 to 1.25 inches (7 to 32mm) in diameter and 2.19 to 5.37 inches (55 to 137mm) in length. Courser changes over to handle a new package type and/or size in 10 to 15 minutes with minimal adjustments and no tools required.

Courser can be installed in line or as a stand-alone system. When in line, it relies on conveyors with side transfers to handle vials and a powered track to handle syringes. For stand-alone operation, it can be configured with manual tray loading and discharge for vials and a non-powered track with guides for syringes. This servo-driven labeler offers continuous-motion handling with an option to operate using intermittent motion when orienting packages. As labels are applied, containers are held in place along their vertical side surfaces using trunnion rollers, which minimizes label skew. This multi-functional labeler offers a small footprint at 120 inches (3m) long and 67 inches (1.7m) wide.

Courser can be equipped with an optional thermal transfer or laser printer to print variable data, including serialized data, to preprinted or blank labels before applying them. An optional print inspection system inspects the printed label on the web, while an optional label removal system ensures incorrectly printed labels are reconciled on a separate web and not applied to packages. An optional label placement inspection system identifies packages with missing labels and triggers a downstream reject device.