The filling and closing machine AFG 5000 from Bosch Packaging Technology recently received the internationally renowned “Red Dot Award” from the Design Zentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen in the category product design. The assessment was carried out by a 40-member international expert jury based on criteria such as degree of innovation, functionality, formal quality, ergonomics and durability. Designers and manufacturers from 59 nations submitted more than 6,300 objects.
Market introduction and ongoing development
In autumn 2017, the AFG 5000 was first presented to a selected audience. The flexible machine platform allows the exact dosing of both small and large amounts of powder with an output of up to 480 vials per minute. Customers can choose between statistical or 100% in-process control of dosing weights. While the vials are continuously fed into the filling machine, the transport system adjusts the feed rate to precisely match the rhythm of the individual workstations. Shuttle carrier systems, which can quickly switch between infeed and outfeed, prevent bottlenecks and idle times.
Flexible aseptic parts changeover
The close exchange with customers, as well as their feedback made it possible to add new features to the AFG. For instance, pharmaceutical manufacturers can now also aseptically incorporate powder-handling parts before the start of production with closed RABS (Restricted Access Barrier System). The parts are introduced via transfer lock and then mounted with the aid of gloves.
