Braille on the packaging of pharmaceutical products is obligatory in Europe since 2005.

In the years that followed, a large number of manufacturers of packaging have changed the way of making Braille – changing the application with time-consuming and expensive preparation of the die-cutting to the rotary system for their folder gluers.

Bobst was a leader of that change, presenting an AccuBraille module in 2007, which proved to pharmacy carton producers faster, easier and better way of making Braille on the cardboard packaging.

It was a truly innovative technology at that time.

Now it’s developed the second generation – AccuBraille GT – which has even better features and higher capacity.

Until the module AccuBraille not become a popular solution for packaging the Braille was applied mainly with the use of matrix dies with photopolymer or engraved tools.

This approach not only requires a lot of knowledge and skills from the operator, but it takes plenty of time to adjust the tool, which is the risk for potential problems.

For example, when working on dry or recycled paperboard or cardboard with a lower quality with a poor print surface, it may puncture (burst) Braille  through the media, while the choice of shape of dot (tapered or rounded dome) can result in accelerated wear problem or a bad impression points.

Braille which is embossed on the die-cutters requires a high quality tool for each box on a sheet, which causes higher costs, and higher required tonnage can quickly lead to a degradation of the tool, and also dots of Braille letter.

In the application of the dies, Braille may require special passage through die-cutter if the text is positioned near the edge of the box already.

There is also the problem of re-aligning the box when we repeat the working order.

Board with knives and other tools may have  reduced or increase slightly due to the working conditions of the environment.

During setup of  the bottom plate to set the line cutting and creasing rules in the proper position, it can compromised fine alignment of the  Braille.

Many users are prevalent this problem re-positioning Braille tools for each repeat order, which requires additional time.

Braille letter die-cutted and embossed can affect the speed of the process, especially in the gluing.

In the feeder of folding gluing machine glued blanks with embossed Braille have a tendency to catch on each other, leading to unplanned stops of folder gluer that means  additional time and costs to finish the process.

AccuBraille GT – Complete Solution

Like its predecessor, AccuBraille GT is set after the feeder of the folder gluer and is working on  known methods by bringing a pair of special rotary tools to bear on the carton boxes as they run with high speed between them.

The upper male tool is universally positioned toward lower female tool which is universal.

Comparing to adjust the Braille on die-cutter, access to tools to Accubraille is very fast, taking no more than five minutes.

Male tools can be simple and inexpensively produced  by any vendor of tools, but Bobst also offers Braille unit for tools.

Making tools “in house” brings many advantages that are of crucial importance.

The rotary working way of  AccuBraille modules can double the life of both tools, leading to a reduction of waste in the process, as well as cost reduction tools.

Braille can also be applied right to the edge of the carton box or crease lines, the opportunity that is not possible to die-cutters.

Increasing the possibility of the production process, AccuBraille GT now offers the power of embossing to eight rows of Braille, as well as the opportunity to use the transverse (cross) text.

To box designers provides great flexibility, allowing them to offer their customers a lot of other options and include more information.

Also, it can ensure constant quality of the Braille letter up to 115,000 boxes per hour, with a tolerance of + / – 1mm, even with the greatest speed.

AccuBraille GT can be delivered to the Expertfold and Masterfold folder gluers, where the standard speed is 85,000 boxes per hour with four and five rows of Braille.

source: Bobst