New Integrated Pharmaceutical Melt Extrusion and Calendering Line

Bosch Packaging Technology has released its new fully integrated Pharmaceutical Melt Extrusion and Calendering Line featuring a continuous production process for pharmaceutical substances.

Melt extrusion as a drug production method is growing in popularity due to its ability to improve drug delivery effectiveness. Using this technology, poorly soluble drugs with low bioavailability can be administered in tablet or granulate formats. Efficient production and cost savings are additional benefits as there is no need for additives such as solvents or drying processes.

Equipment in the Bosch line is operated with the same interface and software for ease-of-use and efficiency benefits, and meets all Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.

Due to the modular structure of the line from Bosch, manufacturers are able to customize the extrusion and forming equipment including temperature and pressure requirements. It can enable direct shaping of pills or oblong shapes, or alternatively pelletizing with granulation head technology. Bosch’s line is able to be used in laboratories as well as for customized scale ups, and can be designed for contained or non-contained environments.

Included in the Melt Extrusion line is Bosch’s Pharma Extruder WCF 0040PH, which continually processes the substrate with active ingredients through the melting, mixing, kneading, aerating, tempering and forming stages. With variable screw geometries and lengths, the machine can be easily adapted to handle a range of material behaviors.

The mass is extruded to the Pharma Calender BPK 0050, ensuring accurate forming of tablets by using dual rollers with forming cavities. The line also includes the Phama Cooling Tunnel BCK 0050, which cools by means of contact cooling from below the transport belt through a double wall stainless steel chamber. It enables dust control with an advanced aspiration system for worker safety and compliance.

“More and more pharmaceutical manufacturers are looking at melt extrusion as an effective way to produce new and existing drugs. Now, for the first time, these manufacturers can buy one integrated line for extrusion, calendaring and cooling,” said Frank Jansen, Product Manager, Bosch Packaging Technology.