Pharmaworks Introduces FR1 Robotic Feeder for Blister Machines From: Pharmaworks | Healthcare Packaging

Matching the high speeds of advanced blister machines, the new FR1 achieves superior flexibility and fast changeovers between different products.

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Pharmaworks, a ProMach product brand, introduces its FR1 robotic feeder for blister machines at PACK EXPO booth W-16017. Ideal for a wide range of drug delivery devices including autoinjectors, nasal sprays and prefilled syringes as well as consumer goods, this versatile pick-and-place system seamlessly transfers and orients products for blister packaging. Matching the high speeds of advanced blister machines, the new FR1 achieves superior flexibility and fast changeovers between different products.

"The pharmaceutical and medical device industries are experiencing a significant shift towards more agile systems that package a variety of high-value products in small batches," said Ben Brower, co-founder and Director of Applications at Pharmaworks. "Our FR1 robotic feeder offers great versatility, handling many types of devices and easily sliding up to dock on any compatible blister machine. For example, this means a customer can be running nasal applicators on a blister machine with the new FR1 in the morning, then the FR1 can be quickly rolled away and replaced with our FA1 or FF1 feeder to package oral solid dose products in the afternoon.”

The FR1 robotic feeder features a simple yet sophisticated pick-and-place design that’s straightforward to operate. Products are loaded into a hopper, then gravity-fed into a servo-controlled belt for precise indexing at the pick point. The robot’s head swings over to retrieve the required number of products and then swings back to place them into the blister machine. Changeover to new products can be completed in less than 10 minutes with no tools required, minimizing downtime between production runs.

Compatible with Pharmaworks blister machines and those from other suppliers, the FR1 can be integrated with installed machines and retrofit to existing systems in the field, making it an ideal solution for manufacturers and contract packers looking to upgrade their capabilities without a complete line overhaul. The FR1 is fully integrated with the blister machine's control system, allowing operators to manage the automation of both systems through a single touchscreen control panel.

"Being a member of the ProMach family means we offer our FR1 robotic feeder and other blister packaging technology as part of completely turnkey lines, which can include labeling and handling systems from NJM and WLS, cartooning and palletizing solutions from Serpa and more,” added Bower. “Manufacturers and packers who work with us are guaranteed seamless integration between systems, and we provide a single point of contact for purchase, installation and aftermarket service. This streamlined approach simplifies and improves our customers’ entire experience.”

The FR1 robotic feeder will be on display at Pack Expo booth W-16017, where it will be fully integrated with an enhanced TF1 blister machine.