Thermoform lines fit with robot loading to pack medical devices in a single operation

A recent project in the US saw 10 Shawpak thermoform lines integrated into robot cells in a compact design which packs devices while avoiding double handling or additional storage.

The single-piece-flow system works well for medical devices, says the machinery company, with the thermorform equipment taking up on average 70% less space than a traditional system. This means it provides a good fit immediately after assembly and production lines, Shawpak argues, reducing work-in-progress and handling. 

A vision and reject system for optical character recognition was incorporated into the scope of supply, ensuring data is compliant with strict US FDA and pharmaceutical requirements.

According to Shawpak, the 10 machines together can package nearly 1.5 million devices every 24 hours, with just two operators per shift required across the operation. Each system, including the proprietary thermoform machine, inline thermal transfer printing, vision inspection, robot loading and a reject mechanism, all fits within 3m², says the company. 

As well as supplying machines for integration, Shawpak says it has worked with several robotic and automation companies in the US and UK. One of its 32-20 thermoform machines has been incorporated into a robotic system to package diagnostic glass slides and desiccants at speeds of over 50 pouches per minute. 

Two Fanuc robots were integrated into this system: a Delta robot manages the high-speed staging of delicate glass slides, while a SCARA robot was integrated directly into the Shawpak machine to load four parts per cycle (two desiccants and two slides) into pouches as they are formed.

The 10 US machines may sound a lot, but one European customer’s single site has taken over 20 Shawpak thermoforming machines, says the supplier, all of which have been integrated into robotic cells. The repeat accuracy that this provides is hugely advantageous in the medical sector, with many robots approved for use in cleanroom environments. 

01332 579025

www.shawpak.co.uk