Safe automatic packaging of pharmaceuticals and food

Whether gummy bears or mozzarella - loose or liquid goods such as food and chemicals require packaging in order to move, transport and sell them automatically. Boxes and bags protect the contents, prevent product leakage and provide space for important information. Packaging fulfills many requirements and influences customer satisfaction. The trend is towards recyclable, compostable and plastic-free materials. In addition, smart packaging to indicate freshness and individualized designs are gaining ground in many applications. Product packaging varies greatly internationally and is subject to a high rate of change. "For the automation of packaging lines, this means that machines and automation solutions must become more flexible in order to handle different materials," says Thomas Lichtenberger, Head of Sales at Schmalz in Glatten. "We develop innovative solutions that combine efficiency and ergonomics. This enables companies to react quickly to new requirements and to optimize their automation.

The food product and pharmaceutical industries require versatile packaging technologies and the right materials. Schmalz offers a wide pallet of vacuum components and systems that the company has developed specially for automation in these industries. Whether primary packaging with direct contact to the goods, wrapping secondary packaging or end-of-line palletizing (EOLP) - the vacuum expert from the Black Forest supports the process industry with solutions for all areas.

The human hand is unsurpassed when it comes to moving multi-shaped objects precisely and safely. With the new mGrip finger gripper, Schmalz imitates the human fingers and makes it available for automated applications. Thanks to circular or parallel finger modules, round and elongated workpieces can be handled safely and gently. The pneumatics-controlled mGrip finger gripper in hygienic design enables very precise adaptation to different products, for example by regulating the gripping force. This means that even sensitive products such as baked goods and fruit can be moved very sensitively. This enables companies to achieve fast picking round the clock.

Strict requirements for air purity, freedom from particles and hygiene apply in cleanrooms. The PalVac Sprint Hygienic vacuum tube lifter meets the highest hygiene standards and enables safe, ergonomic moving of loads weighing up to 100 kilograms in contamination-free environments. The easy-to-clean surfaces made of stainless steel and food-compliant materials are ideal for the pharmaceutical, food and chemical industries. Workers operate the PalVac intuitively.

The wear-resistant FSG SI-HD bellows suction cups are suitable for automated applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries. They are made of food-grade silicone that is certified by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). HD stands for heavy duty, as the material can withstand even highly abrasive materials and is temperature resistant between -30 and 180 degrees Celsius. This means that the suction cups can safely grip syringes, ampoules or vials in highly dynamic processes, for example. "Companies benefit from long maintenance intervals, as the robust material has a long service life," explains Lichtenberger. This not only ensures high productivity, but also cost savings, as fewer spare parts are required.

Schmalz has the SPB1/SPF/SPB2 bellows suction cups in its range especially for palletizing and depalletizing processes. They are also characterized by a long service life. This is made possible by the material Elastodur ED-65, which lasts three times as long as nitrile rubber (NBR) - even with abrasive products such as cardboard boxes. Thanks to its inherent stability, the suction cups are suitable for dynamic processes. The large, effective suction area enables high perfomance. As a result, cardboard boxes can be handled quickly, safely and precisely. Bags are a resource-saving way of packaging liquids and bulk goods. However, they are difficult to handle as they are non-rigid and therefore difficult to grip. The PSPF bellows suction cups have a supple and soft sealing lip that provides an optimum seal even on bags with heavy wrinkling. The special feature: The bellows and sealing lip are united by a two-component connection, combining the advantages of both materials in one suction cup.

This solution enables the reliable handling of bags with liquid, solid or powdery contents as well as bags with a low filling level. Especially in connection with delta robots, for example for case packing or pick-and-place applications, the PSPF gripper ensures fast and stable packaging processes.

With the SFG flow gripper in hygienic design, Schmalz has another solution for food products in its portfolio. With its compact and lightweight shape and high suction capacity, it masters highly dynamic processes. It is primarily used when structured workpieces such as baked goods need to be moved automatically. A metal-detectable version is also available. The new PSSG-X sack gripper has a very low weight and handles paper, plastics and woven sacks fully automatically. The degree of filling is not important - it even grips incompletely filled shrink wrapped goods safely.

In order for the vacuum to reach the suction cup, the right vacuum generation is required. The SCPL multi-stage compact ejector, for example, is ideal for this purpose, providing an efficient vacuum with low compressed air consumption. It moves porous workpieces such as cardboard effortlessly thanks to its high suction capacity. For air-tight materials, such as coated cardboard boxes, an optional air-saving regulation ensures economical operation. Together with surface gripping systems and suction traverses, these all-rounders can also evacuate large volumes.

And another convincing feature: Schmalz has integrated valve technology and vacuum monitoring into the device. This means that operators do not need an external solution to control the vacuum system. "Because vacuum switches and valves are directly on board, many individual components are eliminated and there is no cable clutter on the system," says Lichtenberger.

The solutions from Schmalz not only enable economical and safe processes. The company emphasises sustainability and resource efficiency in its development. The long service life reduces the consumption of materials and energy. The smart design relies on reversible connections so that the materials can be easily separated and recycled individually during disposal. Many system consultants in the field support their customers with their large expertise and detailed knowledge. This provides them with comprehensive and solution-oriented consultation on all aspects of packaging.