Case

Automatic unit for sealing jars and bottles

Client

Pharmaceutical and cosmetic sector

Upgrade of a processing line for filling jars and bottles with a skincare cream. Design and construction of a fully automated unit for sealing the filled jars and bottles.

Objective

Our client operates a processing line for filling jars and bottles with a skincare cream. One component of the installation is responsible for placing pistons and pumps onto the jars and bottles. However, this unit is in need of a thorough overhaul.

This presents an opportunity to develop a more modern and flexible solution. Devion is designing and building a fully automated unit for sealing the filled jars and bottles, with or without a push pump.

Project design

This project presents several challenges that we are eager to tackle. First, the new unit must integrate seamlessly with the existing infeed and outfeed lines of the installation. Additionally, there is only a limited amount of space available to build the new system.

On top of that, the client requires the installation to handle various types of products and a wide range of caps and pumps. Furthermore, each product must be inspected for potential defects before it is allowed to proceed to packaging.

Approach

To meet these requirements, Devion designed the system around a central rotary table with multiple stations, where various robots perform the necessary actions based on the selected product type. With each completed step, the table rotates one position forward to the next station, continuing this cycle until all operations are complete and the product can be discharged. Two stations on the rotary table are equipped with camera systems that inspect each product for potential defects.

The installation is designed for easy maintenance and interventions. The concept also takes into account contamination protection and cleanability. All weld seams are smoothed out, and the entire installation is polished and post-treated to achieve the desired Ra surface finish. Access to each unit is secured with interlocked safety switches. Doors can only be opened when the installation is stopped, and request buttons are installed at each door to facilitate safe access.

Result

The result is a high-tech installation capable of processing various product types — fully prepared for the demands of future products. The unit applies lids or pumps to 20 to 30 products per minute and performs thorough quality checks for production defects.