OREANDA-NEWS. August 29, 2014. Bosch Packaging Technology, a leading supplier of processing and packaging solutions, will showcase various innovations for the pharmaceutical industry at this year’s Pharma Expo. “At the Bosch booth, which is the largest at a North American pharma trade show to date, we will present several novelties for the pharmaceutical industry, ranging from laboratory filling equipment to processing, packaging and inspection machines, complemented by a large after-sales services portfolio,” explained Dave Cousins, director of sales, Robert Bosch Packaging Technology, Inc., Minneapolis.

“The machines can easily be integrated into existing line concepts and ensure a highly sustainable production due to reduced production time and less maintenance efforts.”

Precise and flexible laboratory filling systems

Bosch presents two devices for laboratory-scale filling of liquid pharmaceuticals at Pharma Expo. The stand-alone UNO single pump dosing station controls pump stroke and valve movements, thus ensuring precise dosing operations. Featuring patented rolling diaphragm pump technology, the filler includes an integrated controls system. Its intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI) ensures quick and easy recipe selection and setup of fill volumes.

The FHM series of semi-automated, modular laboratory devices for liquid pharmaceutical filling operations is particularly suited for pharmacists and for the application in laboratories and early stages of clinical trials. The series currently consists of four modules: the HMI, the filling module with a peristaltic pump, the weighing module and the needle movement. The HMI controls all automatic processes such as in-process control (IPC) filling and weighing, while the containers are manually fed and removed. Further filling modules are planned, for instance a rotary slide piston pump.

Tableting at reduced production time

The new Manesty TPR 500 tablet press can produce more than 400,000 tablets per hour, considerably reducing process and production time. The press is equipped with several technical novelties such as a 56-station die table, torque drive and tablet discharge chute, as well as an intuitive HMI. Reduced maintenance efforts and overall ease of use lower the Total Cost of Ownership and make the TPR 500 particularly suitable for customers with flexibility requirements.

New primary and secondary packaging solutions

At the show, Bosch will showcase two high-speed Seamless Systems. From product handling through case packing, the speed of all line components is balanced to eliminate bottlenecks, minimize downtime and maximize product flow, which optimizes overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). For pharmaceutical manufacturers in particular, Bosch will feature the global launch of its enhanced blow-fill-seal (BFS) Seamless System, now with new high-speed vial separation capabilities and hybrid heat/ultrasonic sealing technology for hermetically sealed packages. Letting pharmaceutical manufacturers adapt to changing market demands, the BFS packaging line can now package both vial cards and after-separation single vials.

The new intermittent horizontal CUT 1405 cartoning machine offers higher flexibility as well as the latest servo and safety technology at reduced costs. Based on the proven technology of the CUT 120 cartoning machine, the CUT 1405 offers a large choice of in-feed systems, formats and closure options. It safely and gently handles different carton sizes and packages a wide variety of primary packaging such as bottles, vials, syringes, ampoules, tubes, blisters and trays as well as bags, stick packs and sachets in folding cartons.

Enhanced inspection and comprehensive services

A vial inspection machine of the new AIM 8 series will be another tradeshow highlight. It is the first of the new generation of fully automated inspection machines designed to inspect up to 600 vials per minute for product and cosmetic container defects, such as particles inside liquid pharmaceuticals or scratches and spots on the container. The series’ main module is equipped with a pre-spin table to reduce bubbles in the liquid or homogenize suspensions. A puck transport system ensures quick and easy size changeover and safe container handling. Thanks to its modular design, the AIM 8 allows an easy adaptation of the machines to customer-specific requirements.

At Pharma Expo, Bosch will also showcase its after-sales services portfolio focusing on solutions that improve packaging flexibility, machine efficiency and productivity. With machine upgrades and modernizations, Bosch’s after-sales services enable customers to adapt existing equipment to current market requirements. IPR Inc., of which Bosch holds a minority share, will also present its comprehensive services for the rebuilding of tablet presses, press upgrades and spare parts.