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machines, we went through a rigor- ous selection procedure and com- pared the relevant data of different machines available on the market," Gule said. "The GKF 2500 ASB 100% was the best match for our require- ments and our experience proves us right." The machine offers many fill- ing options, which enables Cipla the continuity, durability, and flexibility to meet current and future needs. Flexible filling for multiple products The GKF 2500 ASB 100% capsule filling machine adapts to produce a large variety of capsule products. Its dosing station includes a slide-gate for high-accuracy filling of powders and pellets. For inhalation products that include highly concentrated actives in small amounts—typically less than 30 milligrams—the machine uses a micro-dosing wheel. It can also use a tablet station to deposit a de - fined number of tablets in the cap- sule, and a servo-controlled pump enables it to fill liquids of various vis- cosities. The GKF 2500 can also fill product combinations at rates as high as 150,000 capsules per hour. It even adapts to products with variable filling parameters, such as sticky or poorly flowing powders. Ergonomics, cleanliness, and se - cure handling are at the heart of the GKF 2500 series. Its modular design facilitates quick changeovers, and its GMP-compliant production cabin ensures easy accessibility as well as user-friendly operation and cleaning that maximizes productivity. The PC-based control system is operated via a touch-screen, and all produc- tion data is automatically stored in an industrial computer. The software complies with the data security guidelines of 21 CFR Part 11. Automatic trouble-shooting and online weight control The automatic trouble-shooting features of Cipla's new GKF 2500 ASB 100% ensure the safety of the operation while reducing downtime. For example a calibration strip in the empty-capsule sorting magazine ensures that deformed or damaged capsules are removed and transferred to a container before they even arrive at the filling station. During capsule closing, a scanner examines the cap- sule body, recognizes incomplete cap - sules, and removes them. The machine also includes a highly precise, online gravimetric control system that gives operators control over the weight of individual capsules. It can also automatically adjust the fill weight based on a signal from the checkweigher, which is linked elec- tronically to the dosing station. In practice, analytical software calculates the average fill weight based on the checkweigher's results and compares that average to the target fill weight. Only capsules whose weight is within Cipla's plant in Kurkumbh, Maharashtra. the defined tolerances are accepted. All others, be they under- or over- weight, are automatically rejected. Flexibility for the future Gule said Cipla's continued success depends on supplying the highest pos- sible quality to its customers world- wide, and the GKF 2500 helps it do that. "Our team is very satisfied with the new capsule filling machine. It is not only especially user-friendly, but it also gives us the flexibility to adapt to market requirements and to quickly switch from one product to another without long changeover times," Gule said. "Moreover, its compact design helped us to optimize our working space. Last but not least, the online checkweigher ensures exact filling weights, which is an important requirement for us and our customers." T&C Bosch Packaging Technology, Minneapolis, MN. Tel. 763 424 4700 Fax 763 493 6711 Website: www.boschpackaging.com Tablets & Capsules July 2014 41 What's new? Our articles are written by technical professionals for technical professionals. Ask about the types of articles we're looking for, as well as tips on preparing an article for consideration. Contact: Matthew Knopp, Editor Tablets & Capsules Tel. +1 651 287 5618 Fax +1 651 287 5650 E-mail: mknopp@cscpub.com i-BoschIndApp_40-41_Masters 7/2/14 11:21 AM Page 41