Horizontal Flow Wrapper packages individual vials.

Press Release Summary:



Packaging up to 300 single blow-fill-seal vials/min, Sigpack HCUL uses long-dwell cross-sealing technology to ensure hermetic packages even at high speed. Primary packaging units, delivered as BFS cards, are fed into machine by Sigpack LDF Delta robot or other intelligent loading solution. Before being packaged in flow wrapper, vials are separated by feeding system’s separation unit. Control system monitors alignment of products as well as information printed on packaging, such as barcode.



Original Press Release:



Bosch Debuts Flow Wrapper for Packaging Individual Vials in North America



Hermetic packaging for excellent product protection

High-speed separation of vial cards

High degree of process reliability due to integrated inspection units

Save gas and production costs thanks to the new RT-MAP system



Chicago — For the first time in North America, Bosch Packaging Technology, a leading provider of processing and packaging solutions, presents the new Sigpack HCUL horizontal flow wrapper at PACK EXPO International 2014.



Packaging up to 300 single blow-fill-seal (BFS) vials per minute, the machine ensures hermetic packages even at high speed by featuring long-dwell cross-sealing technology. Primary packaging units, delivered as BFS cards, are gently fed into the Sigpack HCUL with the aid of a Sigpack LDF Delta robot or other intelligent loading solutions. Before being packaged in the flow wrapper, the vials are separated by the feeding system’s innovative separation unit.



Hermetic seal integrity thanks to long sealing time

Without compromising packaging integrity, the Sigpack HCUL long-dwell sealing system features a cross-sealing unit that allows the sealing jaws to close more gently and in a more controlled manner than other flow wrappers currently available – even at high speeds. This long-dwell sealing ensures longer sealing times to produce hermetic packages, which facilitates optimum product protection. The balcony design of the cross-sealing unit with individually mounted heating elements allows for easy access and fast changeover. Depending on application requirements, the station has the flexibility to be equipped with either ultrasonic or heat sealing technology. Also available are hybrid machines that use ultrasonic sealing technology on the longitudinal sealing unit and heat sealing on the cross seam. Because thermo-sensitive products can be damaged when exposed to heat, usually occurring when transported over the longitudinal sealing unit, this hybrid configuration provides a high-speed and extremely product-friendly solution for these products.



In process control ensures product safety

To realize the production of high-value products, the Sigpack HCUL is equipped with a comprehensive control system. Among other parameters, the system monitors the alignment of the products as well as the information printed on the packaging, such as the barcode. By making sure that packages which do not meet the specifications are automatically rejected, only hermetically sealed packages leave the machine. Jörg Kleiner, pharmaceutical and medical sales manager for Bosch Packaging Systems AG, a company of Bosch Packaging Technology, says, “Authorities such as the FDA increasingly demand that vials be packed separately and not as vial cards, also known as “unit dose packaging”. Not only do pharmaceutical manufacturers need to meet these requirements, but at the same time maintain high productivity.”



New MAP system improves product safety and extended shelf life

The flexible Sigpack HCUL is expandable to accommodate modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Thanks to its modular construction, it can be modified for functions such as the innovative Real Time (RT) MAP system. Compared to conventional MAP systems, where the gas is inserted by a lance, the gas supply for the RT-MAP and the sensor for measuring residual oxygen content are integrated in the longitudinal sealing unit. As a result, this provides real-time measurement of residual oxygen content in the package, rejecting those that have excessive residual oxygen. The amount of gas supplied or extracted is precisely controlled so that only the necessary amount is released. The RT MAP system benefits manufacturers with improved measuring accuracy, as well as savings on production costs.



The Sigpack HCUL offers pharmaceutical manufacturers substantial advantages in the growing market for BFS pharmaceutical dosage forms, including a product-friendly and flexible feeding system, an innovative separation unit, and a product-friendly ultrasonic longitudinal sealing unit. The machine will be displayed as part of the BFS Seamless System, featuring a streamlined design for maximized overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). The speed of all line components is balanced to eliminate bottlenecks, minimize downtime and optimize product flow.



Pharmaceutical manufacturers can learn more about Bosch’s latest solutions in the South Hall, booth S-3514 at PACK EXPO International in Chicago, Illinois, United States, November 2 to 5. Additional pharmaceutical solutions from Bosch can be seen at Pharma EXPO, co-located with PACK EXPO, in the West Hall, booth W-603.



Contact:

Jörg Kleiner                         

phone: +41 58 674-6913                      



Contact person for press inquiries:

Christin Pönisch

phone: +49 711 811-58502



Based in Waiblingen near Stuttgart, Germany, and employing 5,600 associates, the Bosch Packaging Technology division is one of the leading suppliers of process and packaging technology. At over 30 locations in more than 15 countries worldwide, a highly-qualified workforce develops and produces complete solutions for the pharmaceuticals, food, and confectionery industries. These solutions are complemented by a comprehensive after-sales service portfolio. A global service and sales network provides customers with local points of contact. Additional information is available online at www.boschpackaging.com



The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In 2013, its roughly 281,000 associates generated sales of 46.1 billion euros. (NB: Due to a change in accounting policies, the 2013 figures can only be compared to a limited extent with the 2012 figures). Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 360 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 50 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. In 2013, the Bosch Group invested some 4.5 billion euros in research and development and applied for some 5,000 patents. This is an average of 20 patents per day. The Bosch Group’s products and services are designed to fascinate, and to improve the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is “Invented for life.” Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com and http://twitter.com/BoschPresse



In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermo technology, household appliances, healthcare telemedicine and software solutions. For more information, please visit www.boschusa.com, www.bosch.com.mx and www.bosch.ca.

All Topics