Rotzinger PharmaPack presents VarioFill, a new, compact platform for filling and closing OTC products.
The solution is aimed at non-aseptic pharmaceuticals as well as solid and liquid cosmetics, personal care and nutritional supplements and is designed to offer manufacturers more variety while minimising their footprint.
According to the company, VarioFill combines the advantages of longer lines on a modular basis and processes different containers, packaging materials and closure types. Format changeovers are said to be possible quickly thanks to the identical machine base, which particularly appeals to contract fillers who frequently switch between products.
Modularity reduces footprint
One of the key points is the space saving of more than 50 per cent, according to the company. This is made possible by interchangeable modules and a high degree of automation; the platform can be reconfigured by adding suitable stations without having to invest in a completely new line.
Containers are fed into the process using suitable feeding systems; the pickFeeder with delta robots developed by Rotzinger is used for plastic bottles. According to the supplier, magnetically driven universal grippers make pucks and other leading format parts superfluous, which saves on transport. Before and after filling, a 100 per cent in-process check is carried out by weighing. Sealless rotary vane piston pumps as well as tablet and capsule counters are provided for filling; a CIP system automatically cleans parts that come into contact with the product. Closing stations can be freely configured, for example for bounce, screw, pump or crimp closures.
First systems already sold
According to Rotzinger, there has been positive feedback from the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food supplement industries. Two lines were sold even before the official market launch; the first is due to go into production shortly.
Source: Rotzinger PharmaPack
