The new machine looks to speed up the pharmaceutical packaging process by offering ultra-fast tube filling and closing, while reducing down time and aiding compliance with good manufacturing practice (GMP) protocols.

The TF 80 is the latest addition to ESS Technologies portfolio and adds to the Bergami cartoners, tray formers, wrappers, and case packers the company already offers as exclusive US distributors for Italian packaging machine maker Bergami.

The TF 80 can fill and close up to 100 tubes per minute and is designed for use in sterile and laminar flow rooms.

The TF 80 can be integrated into a complete packaging line to fill and close metal, plastic, polyfoil and cassette in-feed tubes that range in size from 10 x 50 x 23mm to 50 x 235 x 78mm.

The TF 80 has as stainless steel frame and control board as well as a small footprint and user-friendly touch screen control that allows the operator to adjust performance and maintain operational logs.

Changeover time from one run to another has been minimised by the incorporation of a nozzle cleaning air blower and a sealing station that can switch between tubes without the need for removal and replacement.

Earlier this month, ESS announced the integration of a Fanuc LR Mate mini robot into a new robotic loading and assembly system, the TaskMate.

The robot was designed to increase the efficiency and productivity by allowing easy incorporation with existing process or packaging systems.

By incorporating enhanced motion control, speed, vision and robot dexterity the designers have ensured the system can be used in a variety of applications and could be used to place tubes filled by the TF80 in boxes ready for shipping.