Bluhm label dispensers: What doesn't fit is made to fit!

Machine builders and packaging system manufacturers not only integrate proprietary systems into their systems, but also acquisitions. In the field of labelling, Bluhm Systeme GmbH presented a label dispenser at this year's interpack trade fair that is particularly interesting for integrators: the system can be flexibly adapted to any installation situation.

The worm must taste good to the fish:

When integrating third-party systems, including labelling technology, machine builders and packaging system manufacturers face two main challenges: the usually very limited space available and the issue of control. This is why the labelling specialists at Bluhm have developed a Label dispenser that can be adapted to local conditions. In order for this to be possible at all, they have first and foremost analysed the previous structure and the Basic function of a label dispenser in question placedIn conventional label dispensers, the base module drives the rewinders and unwinders for the label webs, which is why they are always mounted very close together. But the experts at Bluhm Systeme wondered if this could be solved differently.

[infotext icon]The device presented at the trade fair is just a Prototype. In the next step, in the beta phase, partners such as Kraus Maschinenbau GmbH are now testing the system. Their opinions will be incorporated into the final product development[/infotext].

In order to be able to adapt the system to different conditions, these had to be Components independent from each other. The winders were equipped with their own drives and special adapters for this purpose. „This means we now have the option of moving the winder downwards or backwards, for example. This is particularly interesting for applications where there is not enough space at the top,“ explains Björn Schneider, Key Account Manager at labelling specialist Bluhm Systeme. The basic module can also be integrated directly into the line with the dispensing unit, while the winders can be mounted outside for easy access. This allows the operator to change the label rolls quickly and easily.

Display

„Any suggestions for improvement are immediately passed on to our development team,“ says Björn Schneider, Key Account Manager at Bluhm Systeme GmbH.

Short set-up times and safe batch changes

In general, the Alpha HSM system was developed with a great deal of emphasis on the Ease of use laid. To achieve this, the Bluhm developers „copied“ an actually quite simple fact from photocopiers: each adjustable device part is clearly colour-coded so that the operator can easily set up the system. In addition, they can save up to 10,000 different parameter settings for different labels and applications and call them up at the touch of a button.

Customers can also Individual data matrix codes of each individual parameter combination and print them on the inside of their respective label roll. When the operator scans the code, the label dispenser automatically sets itself to the required parameters. These functions significantly reduce the usual set-up times of three minutes on average when changing batches. At the same time, input and adjustment errors are prevented.

Over 65 modules for every requirement

Due to varying belt speeds or label widths, no two applications are the same. This is why the Alpha label dispenser Flexible to the respective requirements can be customised. Around 65 modules are available for this purpose. If additional customised data is to be applied to the labels, various thermal transfer printers, thermal inkjet printers or laser markers can be mounted between the dispensing tongue and the basic module. Thanks to the modularity, the customer only receives and pays for what they actually need for their application.

To ensure that the label dispenser can also be used in areas of the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries with high dust generation or in wet-cleaned production environments, it also features Protection class IP 65.

When developing the prototype, Bluhm drew on its decades of experience in dispenser development. However, as it is well known that the worm always tastes good to the fish and not to the angler, Bluhm involves its customers, who are also partners, in the development phase. One of these is Kraus Maschinenbau GmbH.

[infotext icon]The Kraus Maschinenbau GmbH specialises in feeding and separating systems that are indispensable in the production and packaging process, in paper handling and in the mail order business. Kraus also designs systems for the special requirements of the food and pharmaceutical industries.

„acid test“ at Kraus Maschinenbau

After the presentation of the new Alpha-HSM labeller at Kraus on site, there was already the first Feedback on the part of the customer. „I am particularly impressed by the separate display, which allows us to install the dispenser deep inside the machine,“ explains Bruno Ott, Sales Representative at Kraus, enthusiastically.

Alternatively, the new Alpha-HSM machine can also be controlled remotely via the customer's PLC. Various modules are available for this purpose. Web-based control via the machine's own Wi-Fi is also possible: the operator simply has to scan the QR code on the dispenser with a tablet or smartphone.

This has a further advantage for the customer, as they also have access to a Customised service portal, where he can find spare parts documentation and FAQs. They can also call up production statistics or even Skype with the Bluhm hotline if they have technical questions.

„We can attach the separate display independently of the labeller so that it is easily accessible,“ emphasises Bruno Ott, sales representative at Kraus Maschinenbau GmbH.

Small but nice

Like most system manufacturers, Kraus generally uses the smallest dispenser available. For this reason, of the three configuration variants currently available, the narrowest variant with a dispensing width of 135 mm is planned as a test device. There is also a device variant that can hold label rolls up to 320 mm wide and 500 mm in diameter. This dispenser applies around 33 labels per second. Due to EU Regulation 2016/161, Kraus is increasingly receiving enquiries from the pharmaceutical sector for a tamper-evident solution with sealed labels. This could easily be realised with Alpha HSM.

Bluhm Systeme already offers a Tamper Evident labeller with a „normal“ Alpha label dispenser. When the new label dispenser was presented, Managing Director Joachim Kraus already had a suggestion for improvement in the area of label recognition. „Of course, I immediately passed this on to our development team,“ says Björn Schneider.

The test dispenser will soon be integrated into a Joker Eco friction feeder from Kraus. This will show where there is further potential for improvement. With the support of Kraus and other experienced machine builders, Bluhm will bring the Alpha HSM label dispenser to series production in spring 2018. Then, hopefully, all the fish will be able to taste the worm.