Pharma and food safely packaged automatically

Handling Pharma and food safely packaged automatically

2024-12-13 From J. Schmalz | Translated by AI 4 min Reading Time

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Products in the food and pharmaceutical industries are sensitive and must not be contaminated. Vacuum technology expert Schmalz supports companies in automating packaging solutions. The goal: high productivity and safe processes.

The SFG flow gripper in hygienic design features high suction performance and excels in highly dynamic processes.(Image: J. Schmalz GmbH) — The SFG flow gripper in hygienic design features high suction performance and excels in highly dynamic processes.
(Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

Whether gummy bears or mozzarella—loose or liquid goods like food and chemicals require packaging to be moved, transported, and sold automatically. Boxes and bags protect the contents, prevent product leakage, and provide space for important information. Packaging meets many requirements and influences customer satisfaction.

The trend in packaging is moving towards recyclable and compostable, as well as plastic-free materials. In addition, smart packaging for freshness indication and individualized designs are becoming prevalent 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 to handle different materials," says Thomas Lichtenberger, head of sales at Schmalz in Glatten.

Gallery

The wear-resistant bellows suction grippers FSG SI-HD handle syringes,(Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

Even partially filled paper, plastic, and fabric bags are securely picked up by the PSSG-X bag gripper.(Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

Bags with severe creasing are not a problem for the PSPF bellows suction grippers, thanks to their supple and soft sealing lip.(Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

Gallery with 6 images

The food and pharmaceutical industries therefore require versatile packaging technologies and suitable materials. Schmalz offers a wide range of vacuum components and systems, specifically developed by the company for automation in these sectors. Whether it's primary packaging with direct contact with the product, encasing secondary packaging, or end-of-line palletizing (EOLP), the vacuum expert from the Black Forest supports the process industry with solutions for all areas.

Model human hand

The human hand is unmatched when it comes to moving diverse objects precisely and securely. With the new finger gripper mGrip, Schmalz mimics the limb and makes it available for automated applications. Thanks to circular or parallel arranged finger modules, round and elongated workpieces can be handled safely and gently. The pneumatically controlled finger gripper mGrip in hygienic design allows for very precise adaptation to different products, for example, by regulating the gripping force. This enables sensitive movement of delicate products such as baked goods and fruit. This allows companies to achieve fast picking around the clock.

For automated applications in pharma and food, the wear-resistant bellows suction grippers FSG SI-HD are suitable. They are made of food-grade silicone certified by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). HD stands for Heavy Duty, as the material withstands highly abrasive materials and is temperature resistant between -22° and 356°F. This allows the suction cups to safely grip syringes, ampoules, or vials in highly dynamic processes. "Companies benefit from long maintenance intervals, as the robust material has a long service life," explains Lichtenberger. This ensures not only high productivity but also cost savings, as fewer spare parts are required.

Bags firmly in grip

With the flow gripper SFG in hygienic design, Schmalz has another solution for food in its portfolio. Its compact and lightweight design with high suction power masters highly dynamic processes. It is mainly used when structured workpieces like baked goods need to be moved automatically. A metal-detectable version is also available. The new bag gripper PSSG-X, on the other hand, has a very low weight and handles paper, plastic, and fabric bags fully automatically. The fill level does not matter—it securely grips even partially filled containers.

Bags are a resource-saving way to package liquids and bulk goods. However, they are difficult to handle because they are limp and thus hard to grip. The bellows suction grippers PSPF have a flexible and soft sealing lip that seals optimally even on bags with strong creasing. What makes them special is that the bellows and sealing lip are united through a two-component connection, combining the advantages of both materials in one suction cup.

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

Suction cup with high intrinsic stability

Specifically for palletizing and depalletizing processes, Schmalz offers the bellows suction grippers SPB1/SPF/SPB2. They are also characterized by long service lives. This is made possible by the material Elastodur ED-65, which achieves three times the service life compared to nitrile rubber (NBR), even with abrasive products like cardboard boxes. Thanks to their inherent stability, the suction cups are suitable for dynamic processes. The large, effective suction area allows for high forces, enabling cartons to be handled quickly, safely, and precisely.

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In cleanrooms, strict requirements for air purity, particle-free conditions, and hygiene apply. The vacuum tube lifter PalVac Sprint Hygienic meets the highest hygiene standards and enables the safe, ergonomic movement of loads up to 110 pounds in contamination-free environments. The easily cleanable surfaces made of stainless steel and food-grade materials are ideal for the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries. Professionals operate the PalVac intuitively.

Provide vacuum efficiently and powerfully

To bring the vacuum to the suction cup, the right vacuum generation is needed. For this purpose, the multi-stage compact ejector SCPL is ideal, efficiently providing vacuum with low compressed air consumption. It effortlessly moves porous workpieces like cardboard due to its high suction capacity. For airtight materials, such as coated cardboard, an optionally switchable air-saving control ensures economical operation. Together with area gripping systems and suction traverses, these multi-talents also evacuate large volumes. Additionally, Schmalz has integrated valve technology and vacuum monitoring into the device, so operators do not need an external solution to control the vacuum system.

Schmalz's solutions not only enable economical and safe processes. The company places great emphasis on sustainability and resource efficiency during development. The long service lives reduce the consumption of materials and energy. The smart design relies on reversible connections, allowing materials to be easily separated and individually recycled during disposal. Many field system consultants support their customers with extensive expertise and detailed knowledge, providing comprehensive and solution-oriented advice around packaging.