The AccuBraille production module from the BOBST Group enables Braille to be embossed at the optimum stage of the production process—the folding-glueing stage—thus lowering costs. This BOBST Group innovation, integrated in a carton folding and glueing machine, embosses Braille dots with significantly improved dot height over it’s rival embossing solutions.
Compared to the Braille embossing of cartons at the cutting and creasing stage (as most competing embossing methods do) AccuBraille brings advantages that enable converters to cope in a highly efficient and cost-effective manner, while meeting European and North American standards for Braille on pharmaceutical packages.
Applying Braille later makes cost savings
Braille embossing creates various production challenges. When applied at the stage of die-cutting, it induces costs caused by the requirement to purchase as many embossing tools as there are cartons on a stepped-up printed sheet. However, the folder-gluer takes cartons one at a time. So, unlike embossing in the diecutter, the AccuBraille system uses only one male die, custom made for the order, and a single universal female tool. No matching counters are required and the tooling costs are a fraction of traditional dies. Make-ready takes place off-line and set-up of the device can be accomplished in less than five-minutes.
The AccuBraille module removes the need to emboss on the die-cutter and brings several further benefits:
- Significant dot height improvement providing easier reading for end-users.
- The make-ready time of the die-cutter is faster (no set-up of embossing tools).
- The die-cutter will have fewer stops (less cleaning of embossing tools).
- Fewer challenges on the folder-gluer because the boxes are embossed in the section following its feeder, and therefore improved run-ability of the gluer as the AccuBraille module is mounted after the feeder (no blanks stuck together).
- The set-up of tools takes less than five minutes and no additional staffing is required.
New Design Possibilities for Braille
AccuBraille brings with it the possibility of applying embossing very close to the cut or creased edges and, therefore, more interesting design possibilities. Crucially, none of this added functionality has effected productivity—it functions at normal speed for pharmaceutical boxes (75,000 boxes/hour). The system works according to the Marburg Medium standard, with a maximum of four lines, and handles materials ranging from 200 to 500gsm.
Medica Packaging—the UK AccuBraille Pioneers
Medica Packaging, part of the Benson Group, is the first plant in the UK to install BOBST’s AccuBraille system for the Braille embossing of pharma cartons.
Mark Kerridge, Managing Director of Benson Group, of which Medica is a part, said, “The main benefits to us of the AccuBraille unit are that it will further shorten the supply time to get cartons to our customers, and it will make it easier to maintain the quality of our Braille embossing”.
With all pharmaceutical packaging destined for EU use required to have information in Braille by 2010, AccuBraille represents a quick and easy route to compliance.
“There has been lots of interest from our customers in the AccuBraille system and we are certainly leading the way on this. We’re actively working through change procedures with key customers to bring it on stream for them,” said Mark Kerridge.
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