Herma is now redefining the benchmark for economical entry into leading labelling technology: the Herma eco labeller for a wide range of standard applications, presented for the first time worldwide at Fachpack, combines outstanding economy and high-quality features with an unusually high level of performance in this segment.

This means lasting value, durability and investment security, even in the entry-level segment. "After all, the Herma eco is produced on the same production line as the significantly more powerful Herma 500 in Filderstadt – and therefore carries the true Herma DNA," emphasises Martin Kühl, Head of the Labelling Machines business unit. At the same price as its predecessor, the Herma basic, the Herma eco is characterised by a number of new features. The integration of the new Herma eco into a packaging line and thus into a higher-level control system (PLC) is now more extensive and convenient than ever before in this Herma performance class.

This is ensured, for example, by a series of additional I/O signals. Among other things, they enable automatic power on/power off, the separate start of the labelling process and manual pre-dispensing via the system control, which is particularly advantageous when setting up a labeller. It is now also possible to check the end of the tape. In future, the printer and labelling unit will also have separate connections that can be controlled separately. This means that a printer can also be used in conjunction with a pneumatic transfer unit, for example, which significantly increases the flexibility and application options of the new Herma eco significantly.

It is therefore well equipped even for simple pharmaceutical or healthcare systems, not least because the Herma eco now has a master encoder function. This ensures automatic synchronisation with the speed of the conveyor belt at all times. This ensures precision, even at the maximum speed of up to 30 m/min for labels with a width of up to 160 mm. The newly designed rewinders and unwinders also contribute to accuracy, as they mean that less inert mass has to be moved. The empty carrier tape is removed from the rewinder quickly and easily by pulling an expanding mandrel off the rewinding core.

Nothing has changed in the tried-and-tested, simple menu structure with just one operating level. However, the three operating buttons are significantly larger than on the previous model, which makes it easier to use, especially in difficult environments. In addition, the Herma eco can now be updated via a USB interface - this also contributes to investment security and future viability. The plug and connecting cable of the Herma eco are the same as those of the more powerful Herma 500, so anyone using both models can significantly reduce the storage space required for spare parts.

In the Herma online configurator, which is unique in the industry, the Herma eco can now be customised even more easily to meet specific requirements, especially by machine manufacturers. This applies, for example, to the choice of clear width, the equipment with a release and transfer system or the use of the horizontal version of the Herma eco. The ability to configure labellers individually in advance can also save costs and time, as there is no need for design adjustments on the customer side.