MULTIVAC presents comprehensive solution portfolio for the medical and pharmaceutical industry

MULTIVAC presents a comprehensive portfolio of packaging solutions for the medical and pharmaceutical industry at interpack 2017 in Düsseldorf. At booth A 51 in hall 17, the company will showcase, in addition to an automated product handling packaging line, solutions for packaging small batches.

The trend towards greater individualization and a wider variety of options continues unabated – increasingly, customized medical devices and pharmaceuticals are produced and packaged in small batch sizes. At the same time, legal requirements and standards, such as those resulting from the UDI directive for medical devices or serialization of medications, must be implemented in the packaging and labeling processes. Manufacturers have so far mostly met these daily challenges with a combination of high-output packaging solutions and compact standalone machines for small batch packaging.

Fully automated packaging of syringes

MULTIVAC offers healthcare companies tailored packaging solutions from a single source, comprehensive expert knowledge, high automation expertise, and professional service.

At interpack, the Allgäu-based manufacturer will present, among other things, a thermoforming packaging machine in GMP design with single-chain guidance for packaging syringes. The machine is equipped with an automatic syringe feed system that can control and reliably transport up to 300 prefilled glass or plastic syringes per minute. The feed system consists of a conveyor belt, star wheel, trapezoidal belt, a 3-axis robot, and the handling module H 242 for inserting the syringes into the packaging cavities. The packaging machine is highly flexible for packaging products in various formats and materials. Quick and reproducible retooling is achieved through tool change systems and a simple, fast exchange of the complete cutting unit. All components of the packaging line are synchronized with the thermoforming machine and operated via the user-friendly control terminal.

The single-chain guidance of the thermoforming machine ensures easy line clearance, high machine availability, and efficiency. Controlled film feed contributes to low startup losses, for example after a batch change. The machine is also very easy to run empty ("run empty" function) and to clean. This concept is especially suitable for small series and frequent batch changes.

Cost-effective packaging of small series

For packaging medical and pharmaceutical products in small series, MULTIVAC presents the compact R 081 thermoforming packaging machine at interpack. It is suitable as an entry-level machine for small batch production and for companies planning to enter automated packaging. The R 081 features a "slide-in" tool change system for quick and easy format changes, with configurable format ranges. It is designed for processing flexible film as well as rigid foil and can be equipped with various labeling systems. For the production of vacuum packs and packs with modified atmosphere and reduced oxygen content, the machine can be fitted with evacuation and gassing units.

High-performance direct printing system for compliant labeling

In Düsseldorf, the R 081 will be presented for the first time with the DP 230 foil direct printer, which is equipped with a network-capable, latest-generation thermal transfer printer, the TTO 06. The DP 230 is installed in the sealing station area, ensuring good access to the loading area of the packaging machine. The DP 230 prints on packs lengthwise and crosswise, making it suitable for machines with multi-row and multi-track tools. Thanks to new servo drives, no measurement runs are needed for printer positioning – saving time during machine startup and batch changes.

Tray packaging for small to medium batch sizes

In the tray sealer segment, MULTIVAC will showcase the T 260 tray sealer at booth 17. The machine offers various options for packaging medical and pharmaceutical products in small to medium batches and provides a high level of process safety, measurability, reproducibility, and especially flexibility. The T 260 can process a wide range of materials as cut pieces or from rolls. High sealing forces ensure good seal quality. The proven IPC machine control system from MULTIVAC allows control and management of the entire packaging process. The control terminal features an intuitive touch screen that visualizes complex workflows and offers maximum user comfort. Critical parameters such as sealing pressure, cooling water, and temperature are continuously monitored by sensors. Users also have access to various software options, such as FDA CFR 21 Part 11 and production data analysis.