BÜHLMANN acquires the FM 205 horizontal wrapper to package its Quantum Blue® diagnostic tests

Challenge

Bühlmann was facing the need to increase the efficiency and accuracy of the packaging for its Quantum Blue® antibody detection tests. With the growing demand for its products, the company was looking for an automatic packaging solution that would not only ensure the integrity of its products, but also optimise the production process.

Solution

To tackle this challenge, Bühlmann contacted ULMA Packaging with the aim of designing a tailor-made system based on the requirements specified in its URS documents. For these cases, ULMA has a team of Project Managers who advise and accompany the customer from the order placement to the project acceptance.

Finally, ULMA Packaging's FM 205 wrapper was proposed. An automatic horizontal flow pack machine (HFFS) with a medium/high production rate, which creates three airtight seals, resulting in a pillow pack-type package.

The packaging solution features an automated desiccant feeder that is integrated into the line, ensuring an efficient process without interruptions. It also features a fully synchronised 90º transfer system, allowing the diagnostic test and the desiccant to be packaged perfectly, without interrupting the production process.

To guarantee the quality of the packaging, the machine is equipped with automatic sensors and ejectors for precise control, thus ensuring that only the products that meet the quality standards pass to the next stage.

The project was completed with the inclusion of a variable printing system and an OCR/OCV vision system that checks the printing has been carried out correctly, ensuring traceability and compliance with regulatory standards.

The line is controlled in a centralised way from ULMA's HMI, allowing monitoring and adjustments to be made on all devices in real time from a single interface.

Result

The implementation of this fully automated packaging solution has proven to be very effective for the Swiss company, which has boosted the packaging efficiency of its Quantum Blue® antibody detection tests, thanks to the automation and precise synchronisation of each process stage.

The strict quality controls have led to a significant reduction in defective products, ensuring that only products of the highest quality reach customers. In addition, the capacity to monitor and adjust the packaging line from ULMA's HMI provides full operational control, resulting in even higher production rates.

In conclusion, this project has allowed Bühlmann to maintain and strengthen its reputation as a leader in the development of top-quality diagnostic tests, and on the other hand, it has allowed ULMA Packaging to gain experience in the development of automatic and fully customised packaging lines, specifically designed for the medical sector. The medical sector is known for its very strict hygiene, quality and traceability standards in the packaging process.

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