Sessions provides a shapely solution

When Fermentas UAB, the Lithuanian-based manufacturer of molecular biology products, had a complex labelling challenge, a solution was provided by UK company Sessions of York. Fermentas needed to apply two labels to an unusually shaped and unstable Bio Vial, which was causing major handling problems.

Sessions custom-built a unit modelled on its Spectrum labeller that was able to cope with the vial's contours and size. The machine places a top label on the vial cap and indexes around to the second station. The vial is then spun at a speed synchronised with the second labeller, which applies the wraparound label. Finally, the machinery automatically ejects the labelled vial into a hopper. The operation is carried out at speeds of up to 60 vials/minute.

'As the vial is such an unusual shape and totally unstable, handling was a real problem,' said Fermentas's technical director. 'This machine has revolutionised our output, helping Fermentas pursue other markets for our products.'