Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging News
Magazine
PMPN Article Index
Originally Published December 1999
PRODUCT UPDATE
Tube Fillers Adapt to Changing Needs
Tube fillers are designed with speed, ease of use, and flexibility in mind.
Flexibility and speed are among the most important requirements in a tube filler. Manufacturers have created machines that have high production capability as well as the ability to change over quickly and easily. Cleanliness, another issue, is addressed with configurations that separate working parts from the filling area and that allow easy cleanup. Many machines can accept a wide variety of tube styles and sizes.
A tube filler is flexible, user-friendly, and able to meet changing market requirements in very short time intervals. The TFS 80 tube filler is designed to meet both immediate and future needs. The system offers toolless changeovers and easy dismantling of cleanup parts. The TFS 80 features a modular design that allows the user to add on components and change applications. Other tube fillers offered include the models TFS 30, TFS 20, TFS 15, and TFS 10. IWK Packaging Machinery Inc., Fairfield, NJ.
A low-speed, high-efficiency liquid filler offers three separate sealing options. Capable of processing up to 70 vials per minute at fill volumes from 0.5 to 250 ml, the MRF 1010 is designed to meet the exacting standards of modern pharmaceutical manufacturing. The MRF's three sealing options are designed for oversealing, screw caps, and pilfer-proof caps. The machine can be converted from one option to the other easily. The MRF 1010 also features a combined linear and rotary conveyor system and stainless-steel rotary slide valve piston pumps. The system can be equipped with four filling stations instead of two. A programmable servomotor controls pumps and nozzles. Bosch–TL Systems Corp., Minneapolis, MN.
A line of tube fillers offers high performance and flexibility. The Comadis C series is recommended for pastes, gels, liquids, creams, and ointments. The 10 models in the series offer a volume range of 2–350 ml and an output range of 20–240 tubes per minute. Tube types are polyethylene, coextruded, aluminum, and laminates. Sealing is by hot air, ultrasonic, high frequency, hot jaw, or crimping. Dosing accuracy is ±1%. Key International Inc., Englishtown, NJ.
A tube filler and sealer can handle a wide variety of tubes with diameters from 10 to 50 mm and lengths of 50 to 150 mm with caps. The Colibri 1001 automatic tube filler and sealer can achieve speeds of up to 80–100 metal tubes per minute and 65 polyethylene or laminated tubes per minute. Volumetric fill is from 3 to 390 ml. Electric and safety systems are controlled by a PLC; an interactive display of machine functions and alarms is provided. Marchesini Packaging, West Caldwell, NJ.
A triple-head filling machine handles all collapsible tubes and is equipped with a patented hot-air sealing system. The Nordenmatic 3002 fills 300 or more tubes per minute. It can be upgraded separately or applied as an integral part of the company's Total Packaging Concept, which features the customer's choice of matching feeders, tube fillers, cartoning machines, and tubes. Norden Pac Inc., Branchburg, NJ.
Tube filling and closing systems are available from a company specializing in packaging equipment. Unipac tube fillers are designed in accordance with GMP standards; external machine parts are available in stainless steel or nontoxic nickel to facilitate easy maintenance. Sealing and closing systems are offered for metal, plastic, polyfoil, and laminate tubes at a range of speeds from 30 to 200 tubes per minute. Romaco Inc., Morris Plains, NJ.
An award-winning company provides custom high-speed volumetric liquid fillers for all product viscosities. The company designs and manufactures accurate, durable fillers for products with low to high viscosities. Volumetric liquid fillers feature zero-drip vacuum technology. Pacific Packaging Machinery Inc., Covina Park, CA.
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