Checkweigher suits track and trace applications.

Press Release Summary:




Versa RxV is all-in-one high-speed system (up to 550 bottles/cartons per min) that combines alpha-numeric and machine readable code printing and verification with checkweighing. RxV features single user interface. Customizable features enable manufacturers to select which code printer and vision system brand is added to checkweigher frame, while modular build allows companies to specify which components they prefer.



Original Press Release:



Thermo Fisher Scientific Introduces New Versa RxV Checkweigher for Track/Trace



MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today launched its new Thermo Scientific Versa RxV checkweigher for track and trace applications in the global marketplace. The company will demonstrate the new system at IPACK-IMA, February 28-March 3, 2012, at Fieramilano, Milan, Italy, hall 9, stand D28.

The Versa RxV addresses the needs of pharmaceutical and other products which require track and trace capability. The all-in-one high-speed system (up to 550 bottles/cartons per minute) combines code printing and verification (alpha-numeric and machine readable) with checkweighing.

Because of increased counterfeiting and product recalls, there is a heightened emphasis on tracking and tracing pharmaceutical products throughout the distribution channel. The GS1 track and trace serialization standard calls for individual drug package components (bottle, carton, shipping case, pallet, etc.) to be marked with an identifying code. Codes must be unique, random and unduplicated. Although the GS1 standard is currently voluntary, Food and Drug Administration regulations making it mandatory could come as early as 2015.

"Pharmaceutical companies, as well as manufacturers of other products such as food and cosmetics, are looking for cost-effective ways to integrate track and trace capabilities into their production lines. By combining the key elements of serialization-marking and verification-into the checkweigher, companies save both cost and space," said Kevin Zarnick, North America pharmaceutical sales manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Thermo Fisher's customizable approach to building a Versa RxV enables manufacturers to select which code printer and vision system brand is added to the checkweigher frame. The modular build means that pharma companies can specify the exact components they prefer.

A key differentiator of the Versa RxV from competitive all-in-one units is its single operator interface. Instead of mounting separate user interfaces for the checkweigher, code printer and machine vision system, Thermo Fisher has incorporated control of all functions into one screen. This significantly improves ease-of-operation and saves valuable line space.

The company also has engineered additional features into the Versa RxV that make it particularly suitable for these applications. A single brushless motor mounted in the back of the enclosed cabinet minimizes mechanical vibration while powering the infeed, weigh table and outfeed conveyors. The "knife-edge" belt design provides superior product handling when products travel from the infeed conveyor onto the weigh table at high speeds. Both of these design features improve checkweighing accuracy.

Additionally, side belts with horizontal and vertical adjustment ensure the correct position of the bottle or carton during marking and verification. The checkweigher also features two reject mechanisms-one for packages rejected by the vision system due to illegible or incorrect codes and the other for over/under weights.

"The World Health Organization has estimated that up to 15 percent of all medicinal products in the world are counterfeit. With more than $75 billion in counterfeit drugs moving through the global supply chain, pharmaceutical companies must take proactive measures to minimize the chance that illegally manufactured drugs get into the hands of consumers. Adding track and trace systems to production lines is one way to accomplish that objective," Zarnick said.

The Versa RxV checkweigher for track and trace applications is backed by the extensive worldwide Thermo Fisher service network. For more information about Thermo Scientific checkweighers, please visit: www.thermoscientific.com/checkweighers.

For more about Thermo Scientific Product Inspection equipment, please visit: http://www.thermoscientific.com/productinspection.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With revenues of nearly $11 billion, we have approximately 37,000 employees and serve customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as in environmental and process control industries. We create value for our key stakeholders through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, which offer a unique combination of continuous technology development and the most convenient purchasing options. Our products and services help accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, and solve analytical challenges ranging from complex research to routine testing to field applications. Visit www.thermofisher.com.

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