Medical Device Link.

Originally Published PMPN September 2003

PRODUCT UPDATE

Continuous and intermittent-motion machines accurately fill and seal capsules.

GKF 701

The smallest capsule filler in the company’s capsule filler product line is for operations that do not require the high speed and output of larger capsule fillers. The GKF 701 produces 700 capsules per minute. It can handle hard-capsule sizes from 00 to 5 along with Supro and DB in gelatin or alternative materials. The machine incorporates new design features that minimize the amount of powder product lost between the dosing disk and tamping ring. Control innovations include an industrial PC running Windows CE. A CGMP-compliant touch screen provides the user interface. The GKF 701 features an improved dust-removal system, which reduces downtime by making cleaning easier and faster. Bosch Packaging Technology, Pharmaceutical Operations, Minneapolis, MN; 763/424-4700; pharm-na@boschpackaging.com. 

FS-40

A fully automatic capsule-filling and -sealing machine is a combination of two of the company’s most successful machines: the F-40 fully automated capsule-filling machine and the S-40 fully automated hard-capsule-sealing machine. The primary feature of the FS-40 is the new enclosed automatic transfer system that immediately delivers filled capsules directly into the sealing machine for minimal handling and increased capsule integrity, ensuring less denting and deformations. The combination machine also allows materials of low viscosity to be filled and sealed more easily. Combined with the company’s three-drum rectification system, it provides a gentle process so that capsules experience less vibration, resulting in less liquid seepage. This allows clean capsules to flow through the sealing equipment more smoothly and with less down- time for cleanup. Shionogi Qualicaps Inc., Whitsett, NC; 336/449-3900; www.qualicaps.com. 

Impressa

An intermittent-motion capsule-filling machine features a new tamping-pin powder-dosing unit, resulting in high performance in terms of speed and dosing precision. The ability to separately adjust the machine’s working parameters allows good results with diverse products. In the Impressa capsule fillers, the working area has been completely isolated from the mechanical area, thus preventing the powder from passing to the lower part of the machine. This feature, together with the centralized lubrication system, reduces maintenance operations and guarantees longer machine life. The machine can be fitted with strain gauges for 100% control of net weight through compression force. IMA North America Inc., Bristol, PA; 215/826-8500; www.ima.it. 

G250

A continuous-motion capsule filler is able to deliver top speed for powder, single-pellet, or dual-pellet applications with complete precision handling and fill-weight accuracy on sustained runs of up to 200,000 capsules per hour. The G250 features modular construction for faster changeover and cleaning times, electrical components, and Windows NT touch screen operator interface built into the machine body. It also has the ability to be upgraded to the MG2’s Nett System. Other features include a 100% onboard weight control system, a small footprint, and a simplified design that allows for remote servicing. MG America, Fairfield, NJ; 973/808-8185; www.mgamerica.com.   

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