Vial labeling

An ampoule is a completely sealed glass container that is opened by breaking the glass. A vial is a small glass bottle that is usually closed with a rubber stopper and aluminum cap and can be punctured with a hypodermic needle. Both are used for drugs, vaccines and injectable products, among other things. They are small and delicate, which means that both product handling and label placement need to be careful.

Vials and ampoules are often small, narrow and sensitive to shock. Some are also tall in relation to their diameter and can easily tip over or start to vibrate during transport. Since many products can pass in a short time, each unit needs to be separated, positioned and kept stable. This gives the label better conditions to end up correctly without the product flow becoming jerky or uncertain.

In automatic vial labeling, each vial or ampoule is positioned before the label is applied. Our vial labeling machine uses a star wheel that moves the products forward in a controlled flow. The product is registered before application and then sensors and Machine Vision review the result. Machine Vision is a camera-based check that compares the label with the product. Vials with deviations can then be sorted out automatically.

The label can contain, for example, product name, drug strength, batch number, expiration date, serial number and DataMatrix code. The information can be written on the label in connection with production. Since the marking area is small, both the printing and the application need to be precise. The material and surface structure of the label also affect how clearly small characters and codes are reproduced, so the writing technique and label material need to be selected together.

Vision cameras and sensors can check that the correct label has been applied, that it is straight and that the information is correct. The system can also verify a DataMatrix code and detect a missing or misplaced label. In our vial labeling machine, the check takes place after positioning in the star wheel. Products with deviations can then be directed to a separate station for sorting.