Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery’s activeCell is a new self-contained injection moulding cleanroom for the manufacture of pharmaceutical and medical, single or multicomponent plastic components to ISO 7 (Class 10,000) standards.
The all-electric compact turnkey system is supplied by the Schwaig, Germany-based firm with a platen mounted six-axis robot, laminar airflow cabinets for particle free air in the mould-space area and integral packaging equipment. It is installed fully compliant and meets GAMP and FDA requirements, as well as DQ, IQ and OQ documentation, and is said to offer a low-investment entry into cleanroom manufacturing.
The system is available in 100, 160, 220 and 280 tonne formats and will help manufacturers without a full cleanroom facility to expand into ISO Class 7 manufacturing.
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s managing director Nigel Flowers says: ‘For many medical and pharmaceutical manufacturers a cleanroom facility is often a significant investment, not always essential for their production needs, and can be cost prohibitive when looking to expand into niche markets.’
‘ActiveCell is a self-contained mini cleanroom system designed to address current market requirements for a low investment alternative with complete flexibility at a fraction of the cost of a full cleanroom.’
The compact fully guarded cell combines technologies from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s UK-based technology partner Motoman (robotics), AVT (packaging) and Max Petek (laminar flow hood).
The system maintains its ISO 7 Class 10,000 cleanroom environment with the aid of a laminar airflow system that floods the mould surface and part handling areas with HEPA filtered air. Once parts are moulded, a six-axis robot quickly and accurately transfers product to the conveyor system, chute or packaging system as required.
‘Over and above its primary purpose, the six-axis robot offers secondary operations including assembly and palletising – a value-add for manufacturers looking for expansion options and fast pay back,’ adds Flowers.
The final element of the system is an AVT fully integrated packing system, which bags multiple products in the controlled conditions before they exit the machine.
Operating as a system integrator, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag oversees the entire project and provides rapid response, post-sales service, customer support and spares through its UK team.