Automatic packaging of parenteral (non-oral) medication

TASK

Filling and packing bags in the pharmaceutical industry

Bayer Schering Pharma is one of the largest international pharmaceutical companies with production sites in the USA, Latin America, Asia and Europe. In Leverkusen, Germany, the company manufactures drugs for parenteral (non-oral) administration under strict hygiene conditions. The fluid is filled into primary packaging such as bottles, ampoules and also plastic bags. Robots then pack the drugs for transport.

SOLUTION

Robots are synonymous with maximum efficiency

Two Stäubli robots work in tandem on a production line for filling and packaging bags: the smaller RX160 handles the bags while the larger TX200 transports trays. So that production does not slow down when trays are changed and the RX160 can continue to deposit bags the CS8C HP robot control unit in the TX200 sequences all the processes. The change of trays does not force a break and the product can be processed without interruption.

Manfred Broustin, Head of Process Control Technology Parenterals at Bayer Schering Pharma confirms that the devices are eminently suitable for use in cleanrooms: “With their compact design and smooth, uninterrupted surface structure, they are the easiest to clean on the market.”

With a nominal load capacity of 100 kg, the TX200 is particularly suitable for use in the bag processing line. The trays it transports hold 24 bags and are also surrounded by a solid steel frame and the weight of the gripper tool must also be taken into consideration. This brings the total weight up to around 30 kg, which is well within the capabilities of the TX200.