Bosch presented highlights from process technology, inspection, and isolation technology at TechnoPharm

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- Tablets: Mixing, granulating, pressing, and coating in the laboratory batch
- Compact inspection unit KKX 3900 for capsules
- Fast Air Lock ISS 100: rapid transfer in and out of isolators

At the 2013 TechnoPharm in Nuremberg, Bosch Packaging Technology showcased highlights from its extensive Pharma portfolio. In process technology, the company introduced the laboratory systems Solidlab 1 and 2, the Manesty Xpress 100 tablet press, and the smallest high-shear granulator, Hüttlin Mycromix. The inspection technology segment features the KKX 3900 for inspecting filled capsules and the manual inspection device ETAC Easy View. The exhibition was complemented by the Fast Air Lock ISS 1000 for quick transfer of pharmaceutical accessories in and out of isolators.

Laboratory systems for small batches

Since 2011, the product brands Hüttlin and Manesty have been part of Bosch Packaging Technology's portfolio. Together, process technology specialists developed the laboratory systems Solidlab 1 and 2 for the production of tablets and pellets. By utilizing a common base unit, the different process modules—blending powders, granulating, and coating—can be integrated within the same device in a space- and cost-efficient manner. The fluidized bed module of Solidlab 1 processes batches from 0.05 to 2 kilograms. Following the same principle, Solidlab 2 handles quantities from 0.5 to 12 kilograms.

The Hüttlin Mycromix is the smallest high-shear mixing granulator in the range. It processes batch sizes from 0.05 to 1 kilogram. With the Hüttlin Gentlewing as the bottom drive, the system ensures extremely homogeneous mixing of granulates. The processes can be easily scaled up to larger production systems. Like the Hüttlin Mycromix, the Manesty Xpress 100 tablet press is suitable for research and development purposes. Its data acquisition system provides an excellent opportunity for evaluating new tablet formulations. With a range of flexible rotor options, batch sizes for clinical trials can also be produced. The same "mpower" software used on larger production machines is employed on the Manesty Xpress 100, enabling better comparability of test results.

Pioneers in inspection and isolator technology

The inspection unit KKX 3900 is designed for weight and quality control of filled hard capsules. It can be integrated behind any capsule filling machine and is capable of handling up to 220,000 capsules per hour. The system is based on soft X-ray technology and inspects qualitative process parameters such as weight and length of the capsules with high accuracy. The digital image analysis provides numerous additional process-relevant information beyond the 100% inline weight control.

From Eisai Machinery's extensive portfolio, which includes manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic inspection machines, Bosch presented the computer-controlled visual inspection device ETAC Easy View. It checks vials, ampoules, syringes, and carpules for particulate contamination and cosmetic container defects, suitable for containers with diameters from 8 to 50 millimeters. Results are transmitted directly from the camera to the all-in-one PC, enabling particularly rapid evaluation. The user-independent, fully validated tabletop device is flexible due to its compact design and lightweight construction.

Additionally, Bosch introduced the Fast Air Lock ISS 1000. The isolator is suitable for transferring pharmaceutical accessories in and out of isolators. An efficient vaporization process and an optimized loading unit significantly reduce transfer times to approximately 20 minutes. The ISS 1000 is available in integrated and freestanding versions and operates independently of the main filling isolator.