At the Gerhard Schubert GmbH trade fair stand at Achema, the company demonstrates a TLM packaging line for the first time which is so flexible that it can be used to produce batch sizes of one. The machine has been configured to package tablet blisters for clinical studies for Hoffmann La Roche.

In the machine, products in two different dosages are prepared including personal labelling. The patient kits are put together in shipping boxes based on the study and labelled accordingly. All necessary data is provided and managed by a higher-level data control system (LMS). The Schubert LMS system communicates with the MES system from Hoffmann La Roche.

The machine handles blisters, vials, syringes and whatever else the future may hold. The Hoffmann La Roche line has been equipped with transmodules (transport robots). Transmodules are what enables the flexibility for batch sizes of 1.

In addition, at the Schubert trade fair stand, a TLM picker line keeps 300 syringes per minute in circulation in non-stop operation. Controlled by the Schubert Vision System, the syringes are taken from a continuously running infeed conveyor, placed on transmodules and returned to the product infeed conveyor.