Automatically for more safety

With the Contexo rotary indexing system, users can efficiently and reproducibly assemble desiccant plugs in six coordinated steps. (Image credit: Contexo GmbH)

Certain medications or, for example, blood glucose test strips, must not become moist during storage, otherwise their effectiveness can no longer be guaranteed. Potential hazards are created by empty spaces in the packaging. Because moisture can form there from the ambient air and damage the contents. Desiccant plugs with silica gel – also called silica gel – regulate the humidity and ensure a consistently dry environment inside the packaging. Contexo GmbH develops systems and equipment that efficiently install these desiccant plugs.

For example, this includes a rotary indexing machine with 16 workpiece carriers. The basis of this machine type is a mechanical rotary table with pick-and-place units, driven by central cam disks. The assembly process occurs in six coordinated steps: The individual components for the desiccant plugs are fed into the system, then a carton strip is automatically unrolled from a coil. After a stamping unit punches out the top carton, a pick-and-place unit guides the carton strip to the assembly. When the silica gel is filled, the system seals the carton through thermal crimping. In this way, it achieves 50 cycles per minute. And because the system operates on two tracks, the user can produce up to 100 parts per minute.

To ensure consistently high quality, the rotary indexing system is equipped with an integrated distance measurement that checks the height of the finished assembly. A camera finally inspects the result for so-called black spots – these are process-related, sporadic tiny impurities. Additionally, the diameter and geometry are checked.

Upon request, Contexo's specialists optimize the finished products – for example, the desiccant plugs receive better sealing. Accordingly, the systems are also adapted.

Contexo offers a wide range of machines that enable users to efficiently assemble desiccant plugs. These range from simple, compact systems to complex high-performance machines that can be used flexibly and are equipped with extensive quality control. Contexo designs the systems in accordance with GMP requirements. All surfaces are made of stainless steel or anodized aluminum. This ensures that the materials used, especially the product-contact parts, meet the strict requirements of the Medical Devices Act.