Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging News
Magazine
PMPN Article Index
Originally Published PMPN October 2005
Product Update
Conveying Strength through PRODUCT-HANDLING
EQUIPMENT
Handlers and conveyors feature easier access and cleaning.
Case Packer
A company offers a horizontal case packer capable of packing up to 20 cases per minute. No part changes are required for different case sizes. The GSL20’s main machine movement operates via servomotors. All drivers are controlled with the company’s ELAU PLC technology. Products can be fed into the case packer from either the right or left side. The machine also features an advanced operator touch screen interface. It can be integrated with supervisory control systems. MG America, Fairfield, NJ; 973/808-8185; www.mgamerica.com.
Conveyor Frames
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Roller conveyors are designed with built-in side barriers, eliminating the need for and the expense of guardrails. The CRUZchannel open C-channel conveyor frames act as guardrails and increase the vertical and horizontal strength of the conveyor. The frames are 12 ft long. Side shroud panels protect controls from damage and dust. The frames are also equipped with channel side-window openings to allow easy monitoring of sensor operation. Ceiling hanger mounts for the conveyors do not need to be installed exclusively at the bed joints; versatile splice plates allow for mounts to be installed at the most convenient locations. TGW-Ermanco, Spring Lake, MI; 231/798-4547; www.tgw-ermanco.com.
Dispensing Robots
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A manufacturer offers a series of desktop and gantry robots suitable for in-line, conveyor or workcell applications. Both the desktop and gantry robots are available in three- and four-axis models. Rotary-table models provide low-cost solutions for dispensing circular bead patterns. The manufacturer also offers a series of catalogs featuring dispensing equipment, robot-mounting hardware, and accessories. I&J Fisnar Inc., Fair Lawn, NJ; 201/796-1477; www.ijfisnar.com.
Bag Conveyor
A bag flattener and conditioning conveyor is designed to level and flatten products in paper or plastic bags prior to palletizing or stacking. The Series 154 bag flattener conditions bags between two opposing belt conveyors with adjustable compression to allow for different bags and products. The opposing-belt design also allows bags to be elevated at severe angles. The conveyor features integrated power roller drives, which eliminate the obstructions and maintenance associated with conventional gear-reduction drives. It is available in carbon or stainless steel and comes in a wide range of widths and lengths. Tech Packaging Group, LLC, Joplin, MO; 417/206-4488; www.tech-pak.com.
Conveyor Platform
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A sanitary conveyor platform features a tip-up tail design that allows the user to tip the idle end up without the use of tools to create slack on the belt. This added belt slack provides easy access to the conveyor for cleaning under the belt and conveyor frame. The 7400-series conveyor platform is also available with a center drive so that both pulley ends can be tipped up. Belt lifters hold the belt off the frame, allowing for more-efficient, hands-free cleaning. The 7400-series conveyors are designed to be a main-line production conveying system. Conveyors are available in widths from 6 to 60 in. and any length up to 99 ft, including curves to fit any production environment. Dorner Manufacturing Corp., Hartland, WI; 262/367-7600; www.dorner.com.
Container Unloader
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A company offers a machine to unload unstable, lightweight plastic containers from reshipper cases. The M49 automatically feeds cases, unloads the containers, and discharges them in bulk for conveyor transport to an automatic orienter or unscrambler. The compact machine replaces manual labor required to dump totes of bulk containers into the container unscrambler. It can handle a range of cases in sizes from 9 in. long × 8 in. wide × 5 in. high to 26 in. long × 15 in. wide × 13 in. high. It features variable-speed operation, a heavy channel steel frame, and motor-powered side belts for reliable case transfer. A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp., Tarpon Springs, FL; 800/237-5975; www.abcpackaging.com.
Feeding Systems
A manufacturer offers two feeding systems that are designed for rapid changeover for different applications. The LiPro liquid product feeder and SyPro syringe product feeder are GMP compliant and are also compatible with all sizes of the manufacturer’s thermoformers. The LiPro uses a high-frequency vibrating conveyor to move products upright to a separating roller, minimizing pressure to avoid breakage and label damage. The LiPro is capable of feeding up to 450 ampules or vials per minute. The SyPro positions both glass and plastic syringes with a single-line interlink or manual loading, and a vibrating-rail system that conveys products into a deflection bend, where they are rotated into a horizontal orientation. Up to 300 syringes per minute can be packed, including syringes with a safety needle system. An optional second feeding system can be added to extend the feeding capability to 600 syringes per minute. Uhlmann, Towaco, NJ; 973/402-8855; www.uhlmann-usa.com.
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