Enemac optimised safety and efficiency in filling systems for medical products through mechanical torque limiters
The filling of medical products places the highest demands on precision, hygiene and process reliability.
Modern filling systems must not only work flexibly and efficiently, but also minimise downtimes and avoid product losses. In order to fulfil these requirements, machine manufacturers rely on innovative protective mechanisms such as torque limiters to reliably protect the systems from expensive overload damage.
Technical challenges in filling technology
Filling machines for medical products must fulfil a variety of requirements in order to meet the high standards of the industry. These include:
- Flexibility: The operating speed must be infinitely adjustable in order to be able to adapt to different filling quantities and containers such as ampoules, vials or syringes.
- Fast format changeover: The changeover between different container types must be efficient in order to maximise productivity.
- High cycle rates: Short cycle times and high quantities are essential for economical production.
- Minimisation of machine downtimes: Short set-up times in the event of a malfunction help to reduce production downtime.
- Maximum product and process safety: Smooth processes and the protection of sensitive products are our top priority.
Requirements for a suitable torque limiter
Precise and durable safety couplings are required to overcome these challenges. The most important characteristics of an optimum torque limiter for filling systems are:
- Stepless adjustment of the torque: This enables use in a wide range of applications with different container sizes and filling quantities.
- High precision: Exact overload limitation protects the system from damage.
- Immediate load disconnection: In the event of an overload, the drive train is mechanically disconnected to prevent consequential damage.
- Minimised downtimes: The automatic re-engagement of the clutch allows production to continue quickly.
- Durability and low wear: Low-wear components ensure a long service life and minimise maintenance requirements.
Application example: Integration of the ECH torque limiter in the cycle star of a filling system:
Filling medicines into bottles or vials is a critical process step that requires maximum precision and efficiency. Whether liquid medicines, injections, eye drops or nasal sprays - trouble-free filling is essential for quality assurance. Mechanical faults, such as blockages or incorrect positioning, can lead to damage to the containers to be filled or the machine. To minimise the risk of production downtime and costly repairs, the machine manufacturer decided to use the type ECH safety coupling in the filling machine's cycle starwheel.
This clutch acts as a reliable torque limiter and disconnects the drive and output immediately and purely mechanically in the event of an overload. This prevents damage to the containers and the machine, while ensuring consistently high product quality. In addition, the clutch significantly reduces downtime by automatically re-engaging after a malfunction, enabling a quick resumption of operation and minimising downtime.
The safety clutch type ECH with integrated sprocket is characterised by its high load capacity and durability. It covers a wide torque range from 5 to 900 Nm and is designed for use in a temperature range from -30 °C to 150 °C. Thanks to its versatility, it is ideal for demanding industrial applications and makes a decisive contribution to process reliability and increased efficiency in filling technology.
By integrating the ECH safety coupling from ENEMAC, machine manufacturers and operators benefit from increased process reliability, reduced downtimes in the event of a malfunction and greater overall system effectiveness.
Further applications for safety couplings (overload clutch) in medical technology
In addition to filling technology, overload clutches are used in numerous other areas of medical technology. Stainless steel and corrosion-resistant torque limiters are particularly suitable for applications such as:
- Manufacture of medical products
- Cleaning and sterilisation systems
- Production machines for syringes and vials
- Packaging machines for medical protective equipment
- Labelling machines
- Handling systems such as robots, pick & place and loading and unloading systems
- Aseptic pharmaceutical production
The drive technology specialist ENEMAC has been developing precise and robust stainless steel safety couplings for decades, which are specially tailored to these demanding applications and whose production from corrosion-resistant A2 and A4 stainless steels ensures the highest material quality.
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