Configurable Components Streamline Packaging

Its machines include thermoformers, inspection equipment, card-sealing machinery, tablet feeders, foil pinhole detectors, and package transfer-and-handling devices.

In conducting its line-integration and custommachinery services, the company ended up buying a lot of specialized and custom components. It needed a way to do so without racking up part costs, set-up fees, and minimum order charges.

To streamline design and cut costs, Micron PharmaWorks turned to Misumi USA Inc., Schaumburg, Ill., when designing its TF1 blister packaging thermoformer. Engineers used Misumi’s online CAD configurator to create shafts, bearings, and supports to their own specifications. They downloaded 3D part models into their CAD package to verify fit and function.

The resulting machine is 3.6-m long by 0.9-m wide and 1.8-m high. It forms blister packs 130 80 25-mm deep from 300-mm base and lidding material rolls.

It contains many configurable Misumi components including shafts, bearings, urethane rollers, pulleys, support sections, standoffs, locating pins, rest pads, levers, and knobs. Micron PharmaWorks estimated that configurable components led to savings for the same performance, reliability, and component quality.

Success on the TF1 machine led Micron PharmaWorks to archive configured components for future machines. Says Engineering Manager Michael Ruth, “We realized this source was suitable for custom and rebuild work, but also for standard machines. We could reuse components to improve machine section design, cost efficiencies, and just-intime delivery schedules.”

Ruth also says engineers cut the time needed to design the machines. They found it easy to configure and download part models into large 3D MCAD assemblies that worked with in-house design, validation, and datamanagement software.