Automatically packaging pharma and food safely

The wear-resistant bale loader grabs syringes, ampoules, or vials securely. (Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

Especially in conjunction with delta robots, the Balgsauggreifer SPB1/SPF/SPB2 ensures very fast and stable packaging processes. (Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

Bags with strong creasing are not a problem for the PSPF bellows grippers thanks to their flexible and soft sealing lip. (Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

The flow grabber SFG in hygienic design offers high suction power and convinces in highly dynamic processes. (Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

The bag gripper PSSG-X securely picks up even partially filled paper, plastic, and fabric bags. (Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

The multi-stage compact injector SCPL is suitable for a variety of different packaging tasks. (Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

Products of the food and pharmaceutical industries are sensitive and must not be contaminated. Vacuum technology expert Schmalz supports companies in automating packaging solutions. The goal: high productivity and secure processes.

Whether gummy bears or mozzarella – loose or liquid goods such as food and chemicals require packaging to move, transport, and sell them automatically. Boxes and bags protect the contents, prevent product escape, and provide space for important information. Packaging fulfills many requirements and influences customer satisfaction. The trend is towards recyclable, compostable, and plastic-free materials. In addition, smart packaging for freshness indication and customized designs are becoming widespread in many applications. Product packaging varies greatly internationally and is subject to rapid change. “For the automation of packaging lines, this means that machines and automation solutions must become more flexible to handle different materials,” says Thomas Lichtenberger, Sales Manager at Schmalz in Glatten. “We develop innovative solutions that combine efficiency and ergonomics. This allows companies to quickly respond to new requirements and increase their automation level.”

The food and pharmaceutical industries require versatile packaging technologies and suitable materials. Schmalz offers a wide range of vacuum components and systems specifically developed for automation in these sectors. Whether primary packaging in direct contact with the product, secondary wrapping, or end-of-line palletizing (EOLP) – the vacuum expert from the Black Forest supports the process industry with solutions for all areas.

Unique and hygienic

The human hand is unmatched when it comes to moving diverse objects precisely and safely. With the new finger gripper mGrip, Schmalz mimics the limb, making it available for automated applications. Thanks to circular or parallel arranged finger modules, round and elongated workpieces can be handled safely and gently. The pneumatically controlled finger gripper mGrip in hygienic design allows for very precise adaptation to different products, for example by regulating the gripping force. This enables sensitive products such as baked goods and fruit to be moved very delicately. Companies can thus perform fast picking around the clock.

Particle-free and sterile

In cleanrooms, strict requirements apply regarding air purity, particle-free conditions, and hygiene. The vacuum hose lifter PalVac Sprint Hygienic meets the highest hygiene standards and enables safe, ergonomic handling of loads up to 100 kilograms in contamination-free environments. The easy-to-clean surfaces made of stainless steel and food-compatible materials are ideal for the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries. Skilled operators can operate the PalVac intuitively.

Medications and cosmetics

For automated applications in pharma and food, the wear-resistant bellows grippers FSG SI-HD are suitable. They are made from food-compliant silicone certified by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). HD stands for Heavy Duty, as the material withstands even highly abrasive substances and is temperature-resistant between -30 and 180 degrees Celsius. This allows the grippers to securely handle syringes, ampoules, or vials in highly dynamic processes. “Companies benefit from long maintenance intervals because the robust material has a long service life,” explains Lichtenberger. This not only ensures high productivity but also reduces costs, as fewer spare parts are needed.

Bag and cardboard

Specifically for palletizing and depalletizing processes, Schmalz offers the bellows grippers SPB1/SPF/SPB2. They also feature long service lives. This is made possible by the elastodur ED-65 material, which offers three times the lifespan compared to nitrile rubber (NBR) – even with abrasive products like cardboard boxes. Thanks to their inherent stability, the grippers are suitable for dynamic processes. The large, effective suction area allows for high forces. This enables cartons to be handled quickly, safely, and precisely. Bags are a resource-efficient way to package liquids and bulk goods. However, they are difficult to handle because they are flexible and hard to grip. The bellows grippers PSPF have a soft, conforming sealing lip that seals optimally even on bags with strong folds. The special feature: the bellows and sealing lip are joined by a two-component connection, combining the advantages of both materials in one gripper.

This solution allows for secure handling of bags with liquid, solid, or powder contents, as well as sacks with low fill levels. Especially when used with delta robots, for case packing or pick-and-place applications, the PSPF gripper ensures fast and stable packaging processes.

With the hygienic design airflow gripper SFG, Schmalz offers another solution for food. Its compact and lightweight construction with high suction power handles highly dynamic processes. It is mainly used when structured workpieces like baked goods need to be automatedly moved. A metal-detectable version is also available. The new sack gripper PSSG-X is very lightweight and handles paper, plastic, and fabric sacks fully automatically. The fill level does not matter – it securely grips even incompletely filled containers.

Efficient and powerful

To generate the vacuum for the gripper, the right vacuum generation is essential. For example, the multi-stage compact ejector SCPL efficiently provides the vacuum with low compressed air consumption. It easily moves porous workpieces like cartons thanks to its high suction capacity. For vacuum-tight materials such as coated cartons, an optional energy-saving regulation ensures economical operation. Together with sheet handling systems and suction traverses, these versatile devices evacuate large volumes as well.

And there's more: Schmalz has integrated valve technology and vacuum monitoring into the device. This means operators do not need an external solution to control the vacuum system. “Because vacuum switches and valves are built-in, many individual components are eliminated, and there is no cable clutter at the system,” says Lichtenberger.

Sustainable and durable

Schmalz’s solutions not only enable economical and safe processes. The company places great importance on sustainability and resource efficiency during development. Long service lives reduce material and energy consumption. The smart design uses reversible connections so that materials can be easily separated and recycled during disposal. Many field system consultants support their customers with extensive expertise and detailed knowledge. This provides comprehensive and solution-oriented advice around packaging.