Pharmaceutical companies can use various printing methods for their products. These include Offset, Flexo, Cold foil printing, and Automated print inspection. To learn more about the printing methods available, check out this article. Then, decide which one is best for your needs. After you have chosen your method of print, make sure to check the final product for quality assurance.
Offset Printing
Pharmaceutical packaging is a critical part of the sales process for the pharmaceutical industry. It must be attractive, contain important information, and be secure. The FDA mandates item-level serialization for all merchandise, which allows for verification of product authenticity and traceability through the supply chain. Each individual pack of medicine carries a unique machine-readable identifier, such as a 1-D or 2-D barcode, or QR code.
Pharmaceutical companies must ensure that their printing processes are up to the task. This requires specialized equipment and a commitment to quality control. Fortunately, Olegario's printing press lineup is well-suited for the pharma market. The company's integrated digital workflow and modern pre-press studio allow it to monitor every aspect of the printing process and guarantee consistent quality.
Offset printing provides superior quality, true colors, and scalability. It also has the added benefit of being cost-effective and flexible. It can print on multiple materials, including corrugated and paperboard. Whether you need a small, high-volume run or high-end luxury packaging, offset printing solution is the best option.
Offset printing started as a way to reproduce images on a stone slab. In 1798, a German artist, Alois Senefelder, used stones to reproduce images. Then he thought of applying an acid to it, only to discover that the acid would eat away the unwritten part.
Offset printing requires more upfront investment and longer setup time than digital printing, but the benefits are more long-term. It is more cost-effective than digital printing and offers vibrant colors.
Flexo Printing
Flexo printing is a cost-effective process that creates durable prints on various substrates. This printing technique is also fast and enables higher resolution prints. Additionally, it uses a continuous cylinder for printing, eliminating the risk of plate lifting. The process is also environmentally friendly, creating fewer wastes when compared to offset printing.
The process involves imprinting an image on a polymer image carrier which is wrapped around a cylinder. Ink is transferred from a pan to the image carrier using a roller called an anilox. Typically, the client will provide the artwork for printing, which must be optimized to fit the flexographic printing press. Once the image carrier has been produced, it cannot be changed or reprinted.
Flexo printing is used for small-to-medium-scale pharmaceutical packaging, including packaging for inhalers. It is also used for smaller-sized text, such as the back text on an ibuprofen bottle. The registration requirements for the packaging are strict, and manufacturers must ensure that it does not leach contaminants into the product.
The printing process is versatile, allowing for both in-line embellishments and continuous-printing. Flexo is especially useful for printing solid colours and patterned displays. State-of-the-art technology is used in pre-press to reproduce the highest possible quality in print. It can also print on a wide range of substrates, including corrugated cardboard.
Digital printing solutions can meet the needs of pharmaceutical manufacturers and meet compliance standards. With full-label reconciliation and serialization capabilities, digital printing can also support near-line customization of pharma packaging and meet regulatory demands of different nations.
Cold Foil Printing
One of the key advantages of cold foil is that it can be done on-line, saving the printing company both time and money. The process only requires one pass through the press, eliminating the need for tooling and dies. This method also allows for maximum use of the foil ribbon, making it a more economical option.
In addition to printing on pharmaceutical packaging, cold foil is also used for many other applications. It can be used to create eye-catching metallic effects on packaging. In addition, it is used for holographic patterns, which have proven to be attention-getting. And because it can be overprinted with virtually any color, the possibilities for cold foil printing are endless.
Cold foil printing is also a cost-effective method that utilizes a standard printing plate. It uses a special adhesive to create an image and then applies the adhesive to the substrate. It is usually overprinted with UV inks and other materials for added durability. Depending on the product, the foil may also be varnished and laminated for extra protection.
When considering cold foil printing for pharmaceutical packaging, it is important to consider the speed of the printing process. Higher speeds require a higher UV lamp output. The typical output is 120-200 watts/cm. The type of cold foil used will also play a major role in determining the speed of the printing process.
Cold foil printing for pharmaceutical packaging is becoming more common as the healthcare industry in Asia grows. Around 20% of the world's pharmaceutical blister-packed solid doses are now made with CFF. With its high cost-effectiveness and high quality, CFF is an effective solution for pharmaceutical companies who are under pressure to protect their products from counterfeiters.
Automated Print Inspection
Pharmacies and other businesses that produce medications need to ensure the quality and compliance of their packaging. According to the Institute of Medicine, labeling and packaging problems can account for as much as 33% of medication errors. This can have negative effects for the brand and consumer. Therefore, pharmaceutical companies should invest in automated packaging inspection.
This technology can be used to inspect printed pharmaceutical labels to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines. It also helps in the process of design and printing pharmaceutical labels. As the production process speeds up, pharmaceutical packaging can also be created quicker and with fewer errors. While humans cannot speed up without risking mistakes, machines can do so without compromising quality. This technology will help pharmaceutical companies set themselves apart from their competitors and create better packaging.
Using an automated print inspection system for pharmaceutical packaging can help prevent costly mistakes in the manufacturing process. These systems can detect critical printing errors before they even get to the printing stage. This will save the company time and money. It will also help it avoid potential legal issues and recalls. When you use an automated print inspection system for your pharmaceutical packaging, you'll have 100% of your labels checked.
Advanced computer systems allow pharmaceutical companies to use these systems to check for defects in pharmaceutical packaging. These computer systems are capable of detecting even the smallest defects in packaging and labeling, including missing asterisks on display panels and bar code errors. They are an effective way to ensure compliance, accuracy, and safety.
The DSCSA also mandates that barcodes be unique and contain a unique serial number. This change has had a major impact on print inspection since barcodes are automatically generated and checked dynamically. To do this, print inspection software must be connected to cloud-based databases.
Child-Resistant Packaging
Child-resistant pharmaceutical packaging has a variety of advantages. These products are safe to handle and transport, and can prevent accidental poisoning. In the UK, the most common form of poisoning is the ingestion of prescription medication. Children under five are the most at risk. As a result, child-resistant pharmaceutical printing packaging can help protect children from medication hazards.
A CEN draft is currently being circulated among European Union member states, calling for the establishment of a test protocol for child-resistant packaging. This test protocol differs from the U.S. test protocol in several key ways, including an objective numerical standard for determining child-resistance. Among these differences is that the CEN protocol prohibits children from using their teeth to open a child-resistant package. In addition, the CEN draft requires children to open at least eight dosage units, which is a higher standard than the U.S. test protocol requires.
One major advantage of child-resistant pharmaceutical printing packaging is its ease of use. It can be folded into a pocket-size wallet. This makes it easy to identify in a medicine cabinet. It is also made from sustainable materials and is completely recyclable. A child-resistant pharmaceutical packaging will protect its contents against accidental damage and will help keep them fresh for longer.
The goal of child-resistant pharmaceutical packaging is to prevent accidental poisoning of children. While child poisonings are down globally since 2010, accidents can still occur. As a result, child-resistant pharmaceutical printing packaging is becoming increasingly important.