Bosch Packaging Technology, a leading supplier of process and packaging technology, has introduced the new filling and closing machine FXS Combi for the first time. Depending on output and container, the machine with two or five positions processes pre-sterilised nested syringes, vials and cartridges. The FXS Combi is the first filling and closing machine of this kind with an integrated capping station for vials and cartridges. It can be easily integrated into line concepts, allowing for significant space savings. The FXS Combi is suited for low and medium output rates.

The FXS Combi is an advancement of the proven FXS platform and features flexible and quickly exchangeable format parts for diverse packaging types. “To fulfil our customer’s demands for higher flexibility, a more compact footprint and extended fields of application, we transferred the successful FXS concept to further, pre-sterilised packaging types,” Klaus Ullherr, product manager at Bosch Packaging Technology explained.

“During the development of the FXS Combi, we benefitted from our many years of experience in the safe and reliable processing of syringes, vials and cartridges,” Ullherr said. The FXS Combi is the first filling and closing machine of this kind with an integrated capping station. In the consistent monobloc solution, the capping of vials and cartridges takes place directly after the stopper insertion. This ensures highest pharmaceutical safety, as the container is immediately and safely closed after filling.

The FXS Combi operates with a combi filling station with up to six dosing heads. This makes the machine suitable for all common filling technologies, such as peristaltic or rotary slide valve piston pumps as well as the singleuse filling technology PreVAS. A combination with different barrier systems is also possible; the FXS Combi is suited for both Restricted Access Barrier Systems (RABS) and isolators. By combining the new filling and closing machine with the proven upstream ATO tub opener and ABO bag opener from Bosch, it can be integrated into fully automated line concepts.

The filling and closing machine is also suited for processing vials for lyophilisation, which ensures a longer life span of the pharmaceuticals.Especially high-priced pharmaceutical products and packaging types require a high product yield. Filling on a checkweigher during the start-up and run-empty process makes almost 100 per cent of the pharmaceutical liquids usable for filling. Filling weights are checked via statistical inprocess control (IPC).

“Together with our single-use filling system PreVAS, the FXS Combi contributes to a more efficient and faster development of new medications, for instance for the treatment of cancer,” Ullherr said.

Based in Waiblingen near Stuttgart, Germany, and employing 5,600 associates, the Bosch Packaging Technology division is one of the leading suppliers of process and packaging technology.