IWK Packaging Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of premium tube filling and cartoning equipment for the pharmaceutical, health, and beauty sectors, will showcase a pair of integrated machinery lines comprising its two primary niches at Pack Expo, November 3-6 in Chicago. At its Booth #W-16085, the company will demonstrate tube filling and cartoning units suitable for a broad array of applications.
Each of IWK’s two lines at Pack Expo will feature the compact, low-cost FP10 Tube Filler, complete with an innovative hot air tube heating system for sustainability-minded energy savings and a sound mechanical design allowing excellent accessibility from all sides. Maximum process reliability is assured via servo technology, and changeovers can be performed quickly. For manufacturers running other models of IWK tube filling equipment, the FP10’s format and product contact parts are interchangeable throughout the entire FP Series. Capable of filling and closing up to 70 tubes per minute, the FP10 can handle metal, plastic, or laminated tubes.
IWK’s FP10 Tube Filler is operated via an HMI touch panel offering an intuitive, ergonomic user interface. Relevant process parameters are vividly displayed, with changeover directives and a running count of both good and faulty tubes showcased throughout the duration of product runs. Remote servicing is available via wifi.
The FP10 will be paired with two of IWK’s cartoning machines. First, the company’s VI 5 Vertical Cartoner is an intermittent motion machine with an open, accessible work area and a modularly extendable length that optimizes floor space. In addition to tubes, the unit is suitable for a wide array of primary packages including bottles, vials, blister packs, jars, pouches, and other similar components, and can produce up to 75 cartons per minute. Among the VI 5’s key highlights is the ability to change formats quickly. This functional versatility is aided by easy, repeatable changeover steps, a centralized transport height adjustment system, and carton buckets. No adjustment of rails is needed along curves, further expediting product changeovers.
The VI 5’s servo-driven, cam-guided carton transport system also offers positioning precision. The machine is available with 22, 40, or 54 carton carriers depending on requirements. Other options include leaflet feeders, booklet feeders, and a large variety of automatic product loading systems.
For horizontal cartoning applications, an FP10 Tube Filler will also be attached to a CH 4 Horizontal Cartoner. This innovative machine platform can be offered in either intermittent or continuous motion and has the flexibility to handle carton opening from either direction.
Powered by advanced servo motors, the IWK CH 4 Cartoner can produce up to 120 cartons per minute while assuring gentle product handling, simple 10-minute format changeovers, and easy cleaning. To save on operating expenses, the cartoner delivers cost-effective regeneration by applying the energy gained through recuperation directly back into the production of the cartons. This results in a 21% overall reduction in energy consumption.
The CH 4 is quickly adaptable to a wide range of applications and cartoning specifications and, thanks to its compact design, the machine builds upon IWK’s reputation for cGMP-guaranteed, floor-space-conscious equipment.