Compiled by Carrie Meadows
Conveyor system with built-in pallet transfer capability
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The Q-Squared Series Conveyor, an efficient, space-saving addition to MagStar TMTechnologies’ advanced line of Quickdraw ® conveyor systems, provides robust transfer and material handling capabilities. The Q-Squared eliminates the need for control panels, supervisory PLCs, and complex pneumatic distribution with its built-in corner rotate, shuttle, elevator, and lift gate options. The conveyor operates with lower power consumption and less noise generation than competitive conveyors, and its patented state-of-the-art slip roller technology ensures the machine’s clean operation and product transfer. The Q-Squared serves factory automation applications including PCB assembly, cleanroom operations, semiconductor manufacturing, and laboratory environments. The conveyor system features plug-and-play control systems, modular and sectional design, sensor stop, and clean operation that generates less debris.
MagStar TM Technologies, Inc.
Hopkins, MN
www.magstar.com
Particle monitoring sensor with optional OPC communication
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Particle Measuring Systems’ Airnet particle sensor easily and cost-effectively provides simultaneous monitoring of particles from multiple locations. The high-performance particle counter offers a small footprint and real-time data transmission capabilities. Sizing sensitivities range from 0.2–5.0 µm. Long laser life expectancy has been shown with a mean time to failure of 144 months. Optional communication via an OPC server (OLE for Process Control) helps reduce installation costs for customers who already have an OPC system installed in their facilities. The system interfaces with Facility Net and Pharmaceutical Net software for comprehensive management of cleanroom conditions. System validation documentation is available. Airnet sensors are compliant with JIS accuracy standards.
Particle Measuring Systems
Boulder, CO
www.pmeasuring.com
Aseptic fill-finish services for injectables
DSM Pharmaceuticals Inc. has added aseptic fill-finish manufacturing services for injectable cytotoxic products to its capabilities. Its news facility will be ready for commercial production in January. Aseptic cytotoxic capabilities include flexible commercial-scale fill-finish services for liquid and lyophilized products in vial sizes up to 65 ml. The dedicated suites use restricted access barrier systems (RABS) to ensure product isolation and include a TL filler and a BOC Edwards freeze dryer. Other contract manufacturing services available through DSM Pharmaceuticals include advanced intermediates, APIs, proteins, vaccines, and finished dose manufacturing of solid dose, among others.
DSM Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Parsippany, NJ
www.dsm.com
Disposable polypropylene lab coats
Hardy Diagnostics introduces ComfortPRO lab coats, a new line of disposable lab coats that offers excellent protection and comfort. Features include breast and hip pockets, snap-front buttons, and knit cuffs and collars. The garments are made from a tri-laminated, spunbound polypropylene material (SMS) that is fully breathable and splash-resistant for increased safety. ComfortPRO lab coats are available in blue and white and come in five sizes.
Hardy Diagnostics
Santa Maria, CA
www.hardydiagnostics.com
High-flow filters for control of nanoscale contamination
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The TorrentoTM family of high-flow liquid filters is available for liquid contamination control of nanoscale particles in wet etch and clean manufacturing processes used in advanced semiconductor applications. The new membrane technology provides users with high flow performance without compromising retention at a 20-nm pore size rating. Torrento filters also feature Entegris’s industry-standard, non-dewetting surface technology for use in a high-flow recirculated bath with aggressive aqueous chemistries.
Entegris
Chaska,MN
www.entegris.com
Semi-automated filling/plugging system
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Accuracy, flexibility, and fast changeover in small batch filling of clinical trials are offered in the easy-to-operate FPC50 semi-automated filling and plugging system from Flexicon America. The compact filling and capping system has been specifically developed to handle filling requirements for clinical trials, yet offers an easy transfer into a full-production scale-up operation. A simple changeover of the single-use fluid path, which includes pharmaceutical-grade silicone tubing and plastic filling needle, simplifies the filling and validation process for multiple batch and/or different product fills. A fast, easy change in tubing diameter accommodates a range of vial sizes and neck finishes.
Flexicon America Inc.
Burlington, VT
www.flexiconamerica.com
Antimicrobial cleanroom garments
Lakeland Industries, Inc. has begun shipping new, high-density, woven antistatic garments for pharmaceutical and aseptic applications. The garments are antimicrobial and have strong repellant barriers to provide a high level of protection and comfort within a cleanroom environment. Lakeland has begun marketing this new product line to select end users and distributors, initially targeting the pharmaceutical industry and later more extensively within the health-care and high-tech markets.
Lakeland Industries, Inc.
Ronkonkoma, NY
www.lakeland.com
Negative-pressure containment booths
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International Portland Corp., a manufacturer of containment booths and localized clean stations, has announced the immediate availability of the Model 880, Class 1000 to Class 100,000 containment booths. The Model 880 protects the surrounding area by providing a clean air sampling area with negative pressure to the outside. The unit is ideal for sampling of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical raw materials to meet FDA requirements. The Model 880 is built with modular construction and is available in width increments of 3 ft and depth increments of 5 ft. Filter pressure monitors provide advance notice of required filter change-out.
International Portland Corp.
Gaston, OR
www.internationalportland.com
Clean, residue-free marker board
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Pilot Pen introduces the CleanWriterTM Chalkless Board, a unique new marker board created for use in cleanrooms. Users can write and erase just like with a conventional marker board without the dust and contaminants associated with dry erase markers or chalk. The magnetic stylus writes on the blue panel using advanced micro-magnetic technology, leaving the surface of the panel completely free of residue. Antibacterial treated materials used to make the stylus, accessories, and frame make the CleanWriter ideal for use in medical, pharmaceutical, and electronics manufacturing environments. The magnetic accessories last the life of the board, eliminating the need for replacement chalk, markers, erasers, or cleaning solvents. See a demonstration video and available sizes at the company’s web site.
Pilot Pen Corp. of America
Trumbull, CT
www.pilotnbd.com
Medical-grade sealer for sanitary applications
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Doboy, a Bosch Packaging Technology company, presents the B-500M continuous band sealer, a medical-grade machine that meets industrial validation requirements. The sealer regulates and displays temperature, pressure, and speed read-out and offers a secure seal essential for medical pouches and other sanitary applications. A new controls package offers all settings, except e-stop, on the operator interface. The digital controls provide better accuracy to measure speed and temperature control. Operating at speeds up to 500 inches per minute, the machine can seal different materials used in the medical industry, such as polyethylene, foil, paper/polyester, and Tyvek/Mylar film. The sealer is constructed of stainless steel, QPQ Melonite, and other coated material to withstand the demands of sanitary and sterile applications, which may include corrosive and wet areas.
Doboy Inc.
New Richmond, WI
www.doboy.com