Bosch Packaging Technology is strengthening its line competence in downstream processes in the filling and processing of pre-sterilised syringes.
The German firm has automated the removal of glass and plastic syringes by adding the USD de-nester and RIL rod insertion and labelling machine to its filling and closing machines, and says the first machine combinations are already in operation in Europe and Asia.
The syringes filled with liquid pharmaceuticals are either manually or automatically placed on the infeed belt of the de-nester in tubs. Using a gripper, the USD removes the syringes in rows and gently transfers them to a horizontal single-lane transport belt. The products remain in a safe and controlled position at all times. Depending on the model, the USD de-nester achieves an output of up to 400 syringes per minute.
In combination with the respective inspection machines for particle and cosmetic inspection, as well as leak detection, a ZPS buffer system and a RIL rod insertion and labelling machine, lines for middle and high performance can be implemented.
Bosch says the high-performance machines of the RIL series accomplish exact and gentle rod insertion, and provide for reliable labelling of the syringes. First, the transport belt transfers the syringes to a segment wheel, which ensures that screwing in of the rod is done at optimum conditions in standstill mode. A separate sorting device conveys the rods to a star wheel, which positions the rods and inserts them accurately into the rubber stoppers. The torque control makes sure that the stoppers do not move. In the next step, the segment wheel transfers the syringes to the labelling station, where the labels are applied and checked with a control sensor. A number of additional options are available to read out label data or inspect the quality, readability and coding of the labels.
The RIL models are also equipped with a tip closure control, which checks the presence of the protecting cap on the injection needle. All defective syringes are conveyed to a customer-specific reject station via a star wheel. After rod insertion, labelling and inspection, the processed syringes can be additionally equipped with a backstopper on the RIL. Designed for patient safety and ease of use, the stopper prevents the plunger head from being pulled out of the syringe and also broadens the finger flange.
'The downstream equipment is an important part of our line competence for syringes,' says Klaus Ullherr, Product Manager at Bosch Packaging Technology. 'The new models meet the requirements in the European, as well as in the growing Asian market. Our specialists have already delivered, installed and put into operation several machines together with our customers.'
Bosch plans in the future to expand its range of equipment for filling and processing pre-sterilised syringes with the integration of safety devices for syringes.
