Triple solution from Europack

The project by Abbott Laboratories to automate secondary packaging on key lines at its pharma production plant at Queenborough, Kent, UK, presented a number of challenges. Machines would have to handle three different primary packs, standing alone or in cartons, in many sizes and configurations, ranging from blisterpacks and plastic pots to glass bottles.

Europack, part of the UK-based Bradman Lake Group, was able to meet these complex requirements with end-of-line machines that would fit in with existing equipment. Working to a tight timetable, the company designed three bespoke machines to match Abbott's needs, which included high quality engineering, compact build, cleanliness of operation and conformance to IQ/OQ/PQ validation protocol.

First to be installed was a combined cartoner and side load case packer, which collates blisterpacks in cartons of five at 30/min; loads them into cartons; collates again and packs into corrugated cases in 4 x 1 x 2 high configuration.

An even more demanding task was to collate and pack a range of products in Securitainer pots, naked or in cartons, in 12 sizes ranging from 61x61x 70mm to 122x63x 123mm. The Europack Swiftpack line uses pick & place robotics to top load at speeds of up to eight cases per minute. Products are fed in single file, standing and, with cartons, narrow edge leading, collated into the required format, picked up by the vacuum operated head, turned and lowered into the ready erected transit pack.

Europack's third machine for Abbott Laboratories is a bottom loading case packer for the anaesthetic line. Bottles are either standing alone or cartoned in sizes from 57x57x114mm high to 74x74x166mm high. Speed is up to 15/ min and a leaflet inserter is incorporated.

'From the start, Europack people were very positive and confident of their ability to meet our needs,' said project engineer Alan Henderson.