MULTIVAC now also offers solutions for the automated infeed and loading of medical products in the packaging process. In addition to a syringe infeed system for the controlled and reliable loading of prefilled glass or plastic syringes, this also includes handling modules and carrier systems for different requirements.
MULTIVAC launched the first packaging solution for sterile medical products onto the market back in 1968. What began at that time as an offshoot of the core business - packaging solutions for foodstuffs - is today a highly specialised business unit, which offers solutions for the medical sector. Automated, GMP-compliant packaging of medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotech products.
Luc van de Vel, Senior Director of the MCP division (Medical, Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals) at MULTIVAC, talks to packaging journal about the Market potential and the Advantages for the user.
pj: Mr van de Vel, for the first time MULTIVAC is offering its own solution for the automated feeding of pre-filled syringes, which can be easily integrated into a packaging line.
Luc van de Vel: Yes, that's right. At interpack, we presented a thermoforming packaging machine with a GMP design for packaging high-quality, sensitive syringes filled with an active ingredient. The automatic feeding unit is suitable for for glass or plastic syringes with or without cannula. The capacity of the automatic syringe feeder can be flexibly adapted to the required output and ranges from 50 to 300 syringes per minute. This solution will also be on display at Compamed 2017 at our stand H01 in hall 8a.
pj: Do you see great potential for this in the market?
Luc van de Vel: Indeed. In the pharmaceutical and medical device sector in particular, we see a great need for automated solutions which, in addition to a higher process reliability and the minimisation of human influences in the production process Efficiency and Economic efficiency bring with them. We are confident that our solution will establish itself successfully on the market - especially for companies that have to deal with frequent batch changes and also have to be very flexible due to the large number of products they process. Both the packaging machine and the feed system can be converted quickly and easily.
pj: How does the system work?
Luc van de Vel: The feed system consists of a feed belt and axially driven rails, a star wheel, a trapezoidal belt and the H 242 handling module for inserting the syringes into the packaging cavities. All components of the syringe feed system are connected to the Thermoforming packaging machine synchronised and can be controlled safely and user-friendly via the control terminal.
The syringes are transported suspended by a feed belt to the actual loading system - the products are held by the flange for this purpose. Driven guide rails transport the syringes to a star wheel, where they are separated and orientated. Whereas the syringes were previously orientated vertically, they are now horizontal. The star wheel transfers the syringes to a continuously driven trapezoidal belt. There, they are picked up by a pick-and-place robot and inserted into the moulded cavity of the thermoforming packaging machine.
pj: And what are the specific advantages of using it?
Luc van de Vel: The feed system is equipped with an adjustable drive and thus guarantees a controlled feeding process. It also offers a High flexibility, as it ensures quick and easy changeovers for different syringe and carrier formats. The star wheel and trapezoidal belt can be replaced in a short time without tools, which has enabled us to significantly reduce downtimes.
We have also equipped the thermoforming packaging machine with a single-sided chain guide, which means that films of different widths can be processed on the machine. In addition, the chain guide ensures Simple line clearance, and the controlled film feed contributes to low start-up losses, for example after a batch change. Emptying the machine („run-empty function“) and cleaning it is also very easy. This makes this concept particularly suitable for small series and Frequent batch changes suitable.
pj: And the packaging machine itself?
Luc van de Vel: The packaging machine in the modular GMP design is very flexible for the packaging of products in different format ranges and Materials designed. Quick and reproducible retooling is achieved by means of mould change systems and by simply and quickly replacing the complete cutting mould. Control is safe and simple via the intuitive operating terminal, which gives the user a clear overview of all the packaging line functions and allows them to react directly in the event of faults.
