BLU 400 from Uhlmann is unveiled at Achema
Packaging machinery group Uhlmann launched (in style) BLU 400 at Achema today, its new blister machine for start-to-finish packaging of syringes, ampoules, vials, cartridges, and bottles.
“Gentle product handling ranks foremost with the BLU 400. Damage to the primary packaging must be avoided, and the usually susceptible medicines have to be protected from heat”, said Werner Blersch, Global Product Manager at Uhlmann.
“Other key customer requirements, which we have realised with the machine, are efficiency and flexible machine assembly.”
At the start of the process, the feeding plate transports the upright products in micro-steps to the feeder.
A rotary feeder and a four-axis robot system take over careful placement of the products in the blister.
Before pressing them into place in the clamp-pack, a mechanical check ensures correct positioning of all the products. Only then are they pressed alternately into the blister pockets.
The press-in function is carried out in two steps so less force is required, which reduces the risk of damage to the products.
“This is just one of many examples of the gentle product handling of the BLU 400”, said Blersch.
“Output efficiency improves as a result. The more careful the products are handled, the fewer rejections, the less cleaning or rectification work, the shorter the downtimes, and the higher the productivity."
The BLU 400 makes use of the full 300mm forming width. Product can be placed lengthwise or across the blisters. This is possible on account of the single-cycle handling, tailored Uhlmann feeders, and a rotary table at the end of the machine. This turns the filled blisters 180 or 270 degrees so that they can be pushed into the cartons.
Liquid dose products are often expensive. In view of this, manual handling is worthwhile under certain circumstances.
Uhlmann says has taken this into account with a flexible machine assembly on the BLU 400. The machine can be optionally run at a minimum speed of three cycles per minute to allow manual product loading. The sealing duration, temperature and pressure in the sealing station, and the process times remain unchanged, only the idle time varies.
Consequently, no revalidation is necessary for operation with very low or very high speeds.
Blersch said: “The BLU 400 is a coherent blister machine specifically designed for liquid dose products. We are confident that the BLU 400 will attract the attention of ACHEMA visitors.”