Bundles of unit cartons are formed in an upstream bundler or bander with unit carton codes aligned on one panel of the bundle. As each bundle enters the system, the aggregation camera reads 2D codes on all the unit cartons simultaneously, creating a parent-child relationship between the bundle and each of the units.
If all the unit codes are readable and valid, a Series 20 print & apply labeler applies the bundle label on the panel opposite the 2D unit carton codes.
An inspection camera reads the bundle label that was just applied. If the label passes inspection, the bundle proceeds to the next process, usually case packing. If the label is missing or fails inspection, the bundle is rejected. Rejected bundles are collected in a reject collection tray. Photo eyes confirm that failed bundles are rejected and that good bundles are not.
An Allen Bradley system PLC manages product tracking and the labeling, rejection, and verification process.
