PACKAGING RESOURCE CENTER
Freeze-Dry Sealer
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A closing process for lyophilized drugs seals caps inside a freeze dryer. The system begins with conventional vials filled with pharmaceutical liquids, onto which standard stoppers are then placed. Lyoseal caps are then placed on the vials. The Lyoseal caps are then closed by external pressure. In the freeze dryers, the motion sequences of the cooling shelves required for this process are set up for conventional stoppering. However, sealing of Lyoseal caps requires more force; therefore, as an option, freeze dryers can be equipped with a hydraulic system that builds up 15% more closing pressure. The cooling shelves in the freeze drying chambers have planar surfaces with a tolerance of ± 0.2 mm/m. Klee GmbH, Green Bay, WI; 920/339-2222; www.optima-usa.com.
Case Sealer
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A new case sealer uses tape and hot-melt adhesive interchangeably by employing independent sealing modules for tape and hot-melt adhesive applications. The Model 436 top-case sealer measures 10 ft long and incorporates a welded and bolted stainless-steel frame. If only one sealing method is desired, the 436 may be furnished for tape or hot-melt sealing only. The case sealer is built with features to ensure reliable production at speeds up to 50 cases per minute. A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp., Tarpon Springs, FL; 800/237-5975; www.abcpackaging.com.
Four-Edged Bag Sealer
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A module processes packaging materials made of films, composite materials, and medical-grade paper such as DuPont Tyvek. During continuous operation, the plating seal with full validation capability reaches a lane speed of up to 80 pieces per minute. Typical applications are the packaging of wound dressings, transdermal patches, diagnostic strips, and other flat products. The device can be designed and used both as a functional module in a converter or as a separate, stand-alone machine. Medicon GmbH, Schwäbisch Hall, Germany; +49 791 5061900; www.medicon-ger.com.
Rotary Band Heat Sealer
A band heat sealer can be equipped to vacuum-pull and gas-flush a pouch as part of the heat-sealing process. The vacuum-pull and gas-flush sequences of the 3500P are managed by a programmable logic controller (PLC) and can be configured to meet a customer’s requirements using a menu-driven program accessed through the sealer’s control panel monitor. The PLC and control panel monitor measure sealing temperature, pressure, and speed to meet specifications required for validation. It functions at a digital speed of 50 to 600 in./min. Urania Engineering Company, Inc., Hazleton, PA; 570/455-7531; www.uraniaeng.com.
UV Curing System
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A pulsed UV curing system provides low substrate heat and deep radiation penetration for complete and consistent cures, at low power levels. The RC-800 series features single- and dual-lamp pulsed UV curing models that consume 80% less energy than similar mercury curing systems. Application-specific lamp requirements are available, with a broadband spectrum suitable for chemistries that absorb UV light from 180 to 800 nm. The lamps are available with up to four different spectral cut-offs, producing wavelength properties suitable for specific types of curing. Xenon Corp., Wilmington, MA; 978/661-9033; www.uv-curing.xenoncorp.com.
