Originally Published EMDM
January/February 2004
Spotlight
Packaging |
Label printers
Desktop and portable thermal printers make labels in widths from 1 to 4 in. The desktop printers feature an onboard power supply and a peel-off system. The portable printers are battery powered and are suitable for use with PDAs, portable computers, and terminals without printers. The printers are equipped with EasyLabel software to create and manage label layout. The company also offers a complete range of bar code scanners that use CCD and laser technology. Custom Engineering S.p.A., Parma (MO), Italy.
Heat sealers
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A company specializes in the production of rotary heat-sealing machines. The range of sealers consists of 13 different models, from basic units to sophisticated designs that are able to print all the data that are required by the market. All sealers comply with the medical device directives and carry a CE mark and TÜV certification. The F 220 series combines control technology with reliability. All the machines are equipped with sensors for monitoring temperature, force, and feeding speed during sealing operations. Famos B.V., Venlo, Netherlands.
Blister-packaging film
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A cyclo-olefin copolymer (COC) blend that can withstand steam sterilization at 121°C for 20 minutes has been introduced. Thermoformable blister-packaging film made from the COC blend can be used as a barrier material for sterile products such as single-dose liquid medications. The new family of formulations combine Topas 6013 COC and a polyolefin to create heat-resistant films. The resulting films are relatively rigid and have a low water-vapor transmission rate. Topas COCs are pure and contain no halogen compounds. They exhibit good hydrolytic stability and low moisture absorption. Ticona GmbH, Kelsterback, Germany.
Contract packaging services
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A state-of-the-art GMP-compliant facility includes individual packing suites and a large Class 100,000 cleanroom. The company is fully accredited by the MCA for packing of solids, semisolids, and liquids; hand packing; and medical device assembly. All aspects of contract projects are handled in-house, delivering significant cost benefits without sacrificing quality or service. Services include blister packing of tablets and capsules, heat sealing, cold forming, pot filling, liquid filling, small-volume sachet filling, and strip packing. Chester Medical Solutions, Wirral, UK.
Single-dose dispensing
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Suitable for applications that require accurate dispensing, a family of vials has been designed to eliminate the retention of liquid in the vial’s neck. The one-piece AccuDrop vial incorporates a cylindrical squeeze-bulb and an integral twist-off tab. It also features a small tab that provides an area for lot-code embossing. The standard resin is a blend of low-density and high-density polyethylene that offers a balance of flexibility and barrier properties. The vials can also be formed with colour-matched pigments, and custom bulb shapes can be produced. Unicep Packaging Inc., Sandpoint, ID, USA.
Bagging system
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Compatible with all types of filling and dosing systems, gas flush equipment, and marking systems, a bagging system is described as easy to operate and maintain. The Star 3020 handles a variety of premade bags in a wide range of films including polyethylene, polypropylene, and laminates. The machine features quick changeover between bag sizes and from manual to fully or semiautomatic packing. Segmented bags and bags with a convenient peel opening are also available. Schur Flexible Europe, Horsens, Denmark.
Packaging film
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A packaging film features peel quality that remains constant across a wide sealing and processing window. HDPE-Allegro is a user-friendly alternative to paper, Tyvek, and conventional plastic-based peel packaging. It forms a seal against polyethylene and provides a 100% barrier to germs. Features include a high breaking strength, and elongation and puncture resistance. The film can be combined with polyethylene support films to create single-material packaging that can be disposed of easily. Kobusch-Sengewald, Halle, Germany.
Thermoformers
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Two high-performance thermoformers feature a modular design. Both the Compact and Powerpak models can be equipped with various heating, forming, and cutting systems to meet customer requirements. Their high and uniform sealing pressure guarantees hermetically sealed packaging and absolute product sterility regardless of the material that is being processed—film, coated paper, or Tyvek. The company’s range of machines and modules, coupled with comprehensive consulting, allow the development of complete custom solutions from a single source. Tiromat Medical Packaging, Bakel, Netherlands.
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