Multivac Introduces Med-Tech Thermoforming Line

Multivac unveiled its Clean Design line of roll-stock thermoforming machines to the med-tech industry last week at the Compamed trade show in Düsseldorf, Germany. Marketing Manager Valeska Haux took me on a quick tour of the new-look R 245 thermoforming machine at the company’s stand.

Designed to meet the rigorous requirements of the medical device and pharmaceutical industries, the R 245 allows trouble-free cleaning while ensuring complete product traceability. “Corners and hidden spots have been eliminated,” notes Haux. “All of the modules are see through, and the frame can be opened along the entire line, as needed.” The cables are routed along the machine frame in a fully enclosed run, she adds.

The system on the show floor was equipped with a handling module used to sort and transfer packaging, a vision system that inspects printed matter as well as packaging and product integrity and a printing module based on drop-on-demand (DoD) technology.

The inline printing module from Switzerland-based Hapa (Volketswil) features a print resolution of 360 DPI over a width of 410 mm. Suited for late-stage customisation, the DoD system separates out country- and customer-specific labelling, for example, until all other processes have been completed.

Because the system prints directly within the packaging line, no externally printed film is used. In addition to minimising the potential for error, the process is cost efficient because the technology can produce full-surface print impressions and personalised data and it avoids the need to create masters and to store printed materials. Moreover, “virtually all packaging materials used in the medical and pharmaceutical industry can be processed using the system,” says Haux.

Both the printing system and the packaging line meet US FDA requirements for packaging sterile medical supplies and pharmaceutical products.