Medical Device Link.

Originally Published PMPN September 2003

PRODUCT UPDATE

High-speed systems form packages in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Form-Fill-Seal Packaging

A packaging tool forms plastic film into virtually any size or shape and can use a variety of clear, tinted, or opaque materials for visual impact. Forming is done in-line and no preformed blisters are required. The process can significantly reduce operational costs since it eliminates the need for maintaining an inventory of blisters. Using a thermoform-fill-seal (TFFS) process, Contoured Packaging is created and filled with products on the company’s wide range of TFFS packaging systems that mold film to fit a product, then seal it with a top web of film or with paperboard. Carded backs and product inserts can also be dropped in the plastic mold for certain applications. The process is capable of creating virtually any sized or shaped package to suit the individual needs of a product. Multivac Inc., Kansas City, MO; 800/800-8552; www.multivac.com. 

TiroPeel

An enhanced sealing system is designed to optimize the performance of uncoated top webs sealed to a number of different forming films in form-fill-seal applications. The system is effective in direct-seal paper applications where the top sealing plate is often of a universal design, which does not include zones. The use of the universal top sealing plate minimizes changeover requirements by eliminating the need for changing this element of the sealing station. The firm says the system has been demonstrated to improve the performance of uncoated Tyvek 2FS by minimizing delamination upon opening. Tiromat Medical Packaging, Biedenkopf-Wallau, Germany; +49 64 618010; www.tiromatmedicalpackaging.com.  

SD9

A vertical form-fill-seal machine can produce containers for liquid, semi-liquid, and solid products starting from one or two reels of plastic material. The final container can be either stand-up or standard by a simple and fast substitution of the film feeding and unwinding group. Developed to support different plastic materials with either mono- or multilayer structure, the SD9 thermoforms a unique band with a pitch of 160 mm and a maximum height of 150 mm. The machine carries the band to the filler where the dosing system supports up to three sets of pumps to meet customer requirements. Then it is carried to the sealing area. After the sealing operation, the band is rotated 90° for the precutting, perforation, and final cutting operations. At the end of the line, single containers can be marked or coded. Key International Inc., Sarong Machinery Div., Englishtown, NJ; 732/536-1500; www.keyinternational.com.  

FC220

A mid- to high-speed deep-draw thermoformer is available for the packaging of ampules, vials, syringes, and similar products into thermoformed trays. The Farcon Model FC220 can use high-gauge films up to 600 µm and fully complies with GMP regulations. Operating at speeds of up to 45 cycles per minute, the unit can form, seal, and cut a wide range of materials including PVC, PET, PS, and poly-propylene. The machine features a balcony construction and a 100 ¥ 150-mm forming area. The mechanically driven workstations result in low maintenance costs and consistent results. Marchesini Packaging Machinery Inc., West Caldwell, NJ; 973/575-7445; mpmagent@mpmagent.com. 

VVI-200
 
A vertical form-fill-seal machine is designed for applications typically associated with horizontal machines. The VVI-200 system comes with fixed sealing jaws, rotated 90°, to produce three-sided, four-sided, and Doy-style stand-up pouch products. The automatic format adjustment allows production of different pouch sizes with the push of a button, saving changeover time. Within this flexible changeover, 80–250-mm pouch heights and 50–500-mm pouch widths can occur without forming set changes. The system can produce up to 100 pouches per minute. Rovema, Lawrenceville, GA; 770/513-9604; www.rovema.com. 

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