Introducing The Sencorp 12-APS And The 12-APM Sealing Systems For Medical Pouches

We’re only a few weeks into the new year and already I have a great feeling about what lies ahead. SencorpWhite is continuing its solid tradition of mixing old-fashioned customer service and know-how with cutting-edge solutions to keep our customers a step ahead of their competition. And to prove it, next month we’ll be at the 2016 Medical Design & Manufacturing West Expo in Anaheim to introduce not one, but two, brand new sealing systems for medical packages. The 12-APS (Automated Pouch Single-flow) and the 12-APM (Automated Pouch Multi-flow) are automated, customizable and frankly, pretty amazing. If you’re attending MD&M West, you’ll be able to see the 12-APM in action. You can also see it in this video:

The 12-APM features a non-synchronous conveyance system utilizing multiple carriages to provide a multi-pouch flow with a throughput up to 12 pouches per minute. The 12-APS features a single carriage to acquire and process one pouch at a time through the system. Each of these state-of-the-art technologies can automatically singulate a pouch, load product (either manually or automatically), verify seal integrity and label completed packages, eliminating operator intervention and enabling product-specific customization.  In addition, both systems can be easily custom configured to incorporate other inspection, verification or tracking technologies.

As I’ve written about before, eliminating operator intervention has the potential to be a significant game changer for medical manufacturers. Manual tracking and multiple user touch points along the global supply chain can introduce countless opportunities for mistakes. In fact, the FDA’s largest-ever single-day medical device recall was the result of a packaging flaw, and human error is the largest contributor to medical device recall for packaging. By automating the handling of pouches throughout the packaging process, the 12-APS and 12-APM eliminate the error and variance caused by operator intervention. That’s a huge potential cost savings, and it’s added insurance for your production schedule and brand.

But that’s not all. In addition to increasing throughput and removing potential operator error, these systems:

• Incorporate “track-and-trace intelligence.” The Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act (FDAMA) requires that manufacturers track certain devices. With the 12-APS and 12-APM, track-and-trace capabilities are built into the packaging process.
• Consolidate cleanroom resources and cut costs. By combining multiple operations into one system, the 12-APS and the 12-APM reduce the footprint of conventional packaging systems in high-cost cleanroom environments and trim the number of packaging technicians required.
• Provide customization to meet your needs. Both the 12-APS and 12-APM allow you to print and apply product identification labels and/or RFID tags, inspect and verify product identification, interface with other cleanroom manufacturing automation and more.

Both the 12-APS and the 12-APM provide the same accuracy, repeatability, flexibility, standard features and range of options. You’ll be able to determine which solution is optimal for you based on available space, package specifications and throughput requirements.

The 12-APS and the 12-APM are smaller, quicker to change over and more cost effective than traditional form/fill/seal systems, and as such, they’re yet another example of how SencorpWhite continues to lead the way, developing and designing systems in anticipation of market demand. If you’re at MD&M West, make sure to come by and see us. Otherwise, give us a call to talk about your specific needs and how the 12-APS, the 12-APM and other SencorpWhite solutions can immediately satisfy the UDI mandate and automate the expensive, non-compliant, manual processes many medical device manufacturers are still using today.

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