Pharmaceutical production continues to evolve in response to changing market demands and regulatory requirements. Drug manufacturers and contract packagers need secondary packaging operations that can evolve with it without creating new bottlenecks on the line.
The growth in biologics, personalized medicine, and other specialized therapies is leading to more varied production requirements, including smaller batch sizes and packaging flexibility. Pharmaceutical manufacturers also continue to face familiar operational pressures around automation, throughput, available floor space, and multiple SKUs.
For secondary packaging operations, adding any new equipment without introducing unnecessary complexity can be a challenge.
The E-System 2000 is one of our solutions for pharmaceutical manufacturers and co-packers looking to scale production. This compact horizontal cartoner is designed for companies moving from manual packing toward semi- or fully automated cartoning, with a flexible configuration that can adapt as production needs change.
We'll look at how the E-System 2000 can help pharmaceutical manufacturers:
Manufacturers running multiple products need flexibility between production runs. Switching carton sizes or configurations can take time, making quick changeovers an important consideration when choosing a cartoner.
The E-System 2000 handles end-load cartons at speeds of up to 25 cartons per minute and is designed for operations managing multiple product SKUs. Its easy operability and intermittent-motion design help operators manage the cartoning process without requiring a system built around much higher production volumes.
For pharmaceutical manufacturers, that provides a way to right-size cartoning automation around how the line actually runs.
Expanding automation and reducing manual processes are among the pharmaceutical industry's top manufacturing and packaging challenges.
The E-System 2000 gives manufacturers flexibility in how far they automate.
A basic configuration can begin with manual product loading. As production needs evolve, the machine can be equipped with an optional belt conveyor or bucket conveyor for more automated product loading.
The cartoning process itself follows a simple sequence:
A vacuum arm removes a flat carton from the supply magazine.
The carton is erected and positioned at the loading station.
The carton advances to the closing station.
Instead of requiring a manufacturer to jump directly from hand packing to a highly automated packaging line, this approach allows cartoning automation to match current production requirements while offering options for future growth.
Floor space is always at a premium in pharmaceutical production facilities, so adding new equipment can seem daunting. We often recommend the E-System 2000 as it is specifically designed around a compact footprint.
It can also be configured for right- or left-hand loading and straight-back discharge, giving manufacturers more flexibility when fitting the cartoner into an existing production environment
Usability is another important consideration when adding new packaging equipment. If operators struggle to run, adjust, or maintain a machine, even a capable system can create unnecessary production headaches.
The E-System 2000 combines PLC controls with a relatively simple mechanical design. We engineered the cartoner for easy operation and access while keeping the number of moving components manageable.
The machine’s flexibility also extends to the packaging itself. It can run paperboard or corrugated cartons, with standard carton sizes ranging from 1" x 3/4" x 4" to 12" x 4" x 12". Custom sizes may also be available depending on the application.
Custom cartoning projects can involve significantly longer lead times, which can become a challenge when production demand is already growing.
Qualifying E-System 2000 applications are available through our Rapid Delivery Program with lead times of 4–8 weeks. The program uses pre-approved configurations and size ranges to shorten the equipment process when an application fits established parameters.
For pharmaceutical manufacturers and contract packagers, that can mean getting additional cartoning capacity onto the production floor sooner without adding engineering the application does not require.
Each E-System 2000 is designed, assembled, and tested at our facility in Randolph, Massachusetts.
The E-System 2000 gives pharmaceutical manufacturers and contract packagers a viable way to add cartoning automation without taking on more than the application requires. Its compact footprint, flexible loading options, and speeds of up to 25 cartons per minute make it well suited for growing operations managing changing production needs.
As those needs evolve, the E-System 2000 can support a move toward greater automation while keeping the cartoning process manageable for operators.
Contact us today to learn more about the E-System 2000 and discuss the requirements of your pharmaceutical secondary packaging application.