Packaging Machine Builders Stress Performance, Flexibility

While not the largest end-user market overall, the pharmaceutical industry will continue to lead growth in demand for packaging machinery, according to a recent study by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI, Arlington, Va.).

Companies are expected to spend more on advanced packaging machinery because they have become more aware of how it can improve manufacturing productivity, the study suggests. Indeed, gains in efficiency, speed and flexibility were together cited as the number one reason (Table) for investments in packaging machinery.

Other trends shaping the packaging machine market "and the offerings of suppliers highlighted in this roundup "include the need to handle a greater number of new and different package designs and sizes, as well as the need to reduce labor costs through automation. "We've found that it's justifiable to upgrade our packaging capabilities," one manufacturer of medical devices was quoted as saying. "Increased automation equals reduced labor costs, which is our objective now."

Here, then, a sampling of high performing, highly flexible machines of interest to the pharmaceutical manufacturing marketplace.

Reason                                                                                            Percentage*

1. Replacing machine to gain efficiency, speed, flexibility, productivity    27%

2. Expanding production capacity for existing products                         23%

3. Adding machinery to automate, reduce labor costs                           12%

4. Adding new products                                                                       9%

5. Change in packaging                                                                       8%

6. Replacing machinery to reduce maintenance                                     8%

7. Adding to plant                                                                               7%

8. Ergonomics, safety, other                                                                6%

* Percentage of respondents to 2003 survey by PMMI

An automated production system for handling pre-capped and pre-sterilized microtubes sorts and feed the containers using a vibratory or centrifugal feeder, labels or codes each container, and dispenses a predetermined volume of fluid using a servo-driven pump. The system then sorts, feeds and re-applies screw caps and discharges each completed microtube directly into an accumulation bin or onto a horizontal accumulation track assembly. Each system has a compact footprint, includes a HEPA filtration system and incorporates a unique GMP design that uses a two position operating station to minimize the possibility of product contamination.

National Instrument Co., Inc.

800-526-1301 http://www.filamatic.com

With a modular design, laminar airflow, a vertical back wall for improved access and a compact footprint, Bosch's new FLM liquid filler is designed to set a new standard for cGMP filling. The machine is available as a stand-alone unit for cleanroom filling, RABS, or with a barrier isolator. The machine features a fill range of 0.25 ml up to 500 ml for greater flexibility with an output of up to 600 units per minute. Other features include balcony construction, vertical machine plate, strict separation of the production and drive sections. In addition, a slim machine design (with a reach depth of 600 mm) improves accessibility so that all maintenance work can be done from one side, in a very small aseptic area.