New self-contained injection moulding cleanroom cell launched

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has launched activeCell, a self-contained injection moulding cleanroom that is said to be capable of manufacturing pharmaceutical and medical, single or multicomponent plastic components to ISO 7 (class 10,0000).

The all-electric compact turnkey system comes complete with platen mounted six-axis robot, laminar airflow cabinets for particle free air in the mould-space area and integral packaging equipment. It is installed fully compliant meeting GAMP and FDA requirements as well as DQ, IQ and OQ documentation, and offers manufacturers low-investment entry into cleanroom manufacturing.

The system, which is available in 100, 160, 220 and 280 tonne formats, helps manufacturers without a full cleanroom facility to expand into ISO class 7 manufacturing, according to Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s Managing Director, Nigel Flowers: “For many medical and pharmaceutical manufacturers a cleanroom facility is often a significant investment, not always essential for their production needs and can be cost prohibitive when looking to expand into niche markets. activeCell is a self-contained mini cleanroom system designed to address current market requirements for a low investment alternative with complete flexibility at a fraction of the cost of a full cleanroom.”

The compact, fully-guarded cell, which has been designed to incorporate a platen mounted robot making the system only 500mm wider than a standard machine, combines technologies from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s UK-based technology partners Motoman (robotics), AVT (packaging) and Max Petek (laminar flow hood). The system is said to maintain its ISO 7 class 10,000 cleanroom environment with aid of laminar air flow systems which floods the mould surface and part handling areas with HEPA filtered air. Once parts are moulded, a six-axis robot transfers product to the conveyor system, chute or packaging system as required.

“Over and above its primary purpose, the six-axis robot offers secondary operations including assembly and palletising - a value-add for manufacturers looking for expansion options and fast pay back,” Mr Flowers continued. The final element of the turnkey system is an AVT fully integrated packing system, which bags multiple products in the controlled conditions before they exit the machine.