Medical Device Link.

Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging News Magazine
PMPN Article Index

Originally Published December 2000

TUBE FILLERS are Quiet and Efficient

Filling machines handle metal, plastic, and laminated tubes.

A flexible, modular, user-friendly tube filler is designed to accommodate future requirements, as well as meet current needs. The TFS 80 features precision servo drives, filling technology, and multiple closing systems. Changeovers are toolless and rapid, and parts to be cleaned can be quickly dismantled. With its modular redesign, the system can take on additional components for greater flexibility of function, be adapted to different applications, and provide more uptime. It is part of a complete line of rotary tube fillers that have been created to accommodate a wide range of production speed requirements. IWK Packaging Machinery Inc., Fairfield, NJ.

An automatic machine for filling plastic, metal, or laminated squeeze tubes has been enhanced. With applications in the pharmaceutical industry, the RT 70 tube filler comes in two configurations offering speed ranges of 50–65 or 60–85 tubes per minute. Speed differences relate to production requirements for tube loading, orienting, and unloading. The cam-driven RT-series equipment can handle products ranging from water thin to extremely viscous. It also comes in a two-head configuration that produces run speeds to 140 tubes per minute. ProSys, Div. of Reagent Chemical & Research, Webb City, MO.

A line of tube fillers offers performance capability and operational flexibility. The Comadis C series is designed for use with pastes, gels, liquids, creams, and ointments. Ten models are available, with a volume range from 2 to 350 ml and output from 20 to 240 filled tubes per minute. Tube types are polyethylene, coextruded, aluminum, and laminates. Sealing is by hot air, ultrasonic, high-frequency, hot jaw, or crimping. Seven end-seal configurations, including several that are exclusive designs, are also available, and dosing accuracy is ± 1%. The company also offers either diving or fixed dosing nozzle filling. Key International Inc., Englishtown, NJ.

A tube filling-and-closing machine is capable of producing up to 6000 filled metal, plastic, or laminated tubes per hour. The Puma 100 features vertical construction with tool-free size changeover and dosing group disassembly. Independent adjustment of pump and rotary-valve cams and the interchangeability of bottom-up lifting cams, all of which are track based, optimize filling performance and accuracy. Low-noise toothed timing belts extend drive system life, and the use of a Ferguson drive to rotate the turntable eliminates the necessity for periodic maintenance. The machine is designed for ease of access to mechanical components and for ease of cleaning under the working area. Modular Packaging Systems Inc., Pine Brook, NJ.

An auger-type filling machine provides computer-controlled dispensing of liquids, powders, or dry discrete products in weight quantities ranging from 500 mg to 100 lb. The Cerebus III Model B-400 combines rugged auger design with Cerebus control technology. It offers programmability of functions and accessories and can store up to 200 setup programs. Standard system features include shaft encoder and solid-state clutch-brake control of auger revolutions; all-stainless-steel product-contacting parts; a three-speed fill-motor drive system; a quick-disconnect hopper coupling for easy cleaning and product changeover; a user interface that displays current operating status; and interchangeable tooling for free-flowing, non-free-flowing, and liquid products. Fill amount can be adjusted pursuant to feedback from check weighers. All-Fill Inc., Exton, PA.

A manufacturer of bottling equipment for pharmaceutical applications provides a complete range of customer services which are detailed in an eight-page brochure. Automated liquid-fillers manufactured by the company in the United States are supported by consultation, start-up assistance, customer training, diagnostic services, technical support, contract preventive maintenance, and packaging line evaluations. Besides servicing existing machines, the firm provides technology upgrades, retrofits, and spare parts and offers expertise in engineering, designing, and manufacturing specialized transfer tooling. Serac Inc., Carol Stream, IL.