Pharmaceutical production today demands high-speed solutions for bulk tablet processing. In this space, CMS Laser stands out as a pioneering developer of advanced laser equipment that no mechanical method can match in throughput.
Tablet Processing Systems by CMS
In this blog, we’ll highlight two laser-powered processes that optimize the late production stages of orally administered drugs: microdrilling for osmotic pump time-release profiles and applying anti-counterfeit markings. CMS Laser provides reliable solutions that integrate pulsed CO2 lasers, machine vision, and automation to perform these complex tasks with exceptional precision and high throughput.
A tablet processing system by CMS Laser is engineered to laser-drill or mark round tablets with diameters in the range of 7.0 mm to 13 mm. Tablet delivery is handled by a centrifugal bowl feeder and single-file conveyor system designed to prevent tablet breakage and lost yield. Integrated bowl feeder color sensors allow for automatic orientation of bi-color tablets to the designated drilling or marking side.
Changeover for any tablet size is simple and time-efficient. Typically, it takes operators about 45 minutes to adjust the system to process a different-size tablet. We will train your personnel to do this seamlessly. The maintenance and cleaning of the system are also easy to manage. In your production line, this state-of-the-art machine will not only save the operators time and effort but also minimize downtime overall.
Precise Drilling for Controlled API Release
Tablet drilling allows drugmakers to produce structurally sophisticated tablets for oral administration. This technique forms a precise aperture within the tablet for uses such as osmotic pump-controlled release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and improving the delivery of drug molecules with low water solubility. Non-contact laser drilling for this purpose offers significant advantages; namely, profile repeatability and high throughput. You can read more about how it works here.
The Tablet Laser Drilling System performs tablet laser drilling while the tablet is moving (on the fly), quickly emitting high-peak pulses that hit the same exact spot on a tablet as it passes through on the conveyor. Single or multiple holes per tablet can be drilled; dual-side drilling is offered as a custom option. The standard Tablet Laser Drilling System is capable of drilling holes in the range of 0.3 mm to 2 mm in diameter. We also offer custom-engineered configurations to accommodate our clients’ unique needs.
The system features true closed-loop feedback tracking and dual vision inspection to precisely control the laser’s point of impact on each individual tablet as it moves along the conveyor belt. Smart vision technology verifies tablet orientation on the conveyor and confirms that drilled holes are within required dimensional and positional tolerances. Tablets that fail to align with all necessary specifications are automatically directed to the rejection bin.
Laser Marking for Traceability
A unique mark on each pharmaceutical tablet helps identify and trace it through the supply chain, as well as provide critical information to the end user. Laser technology effectively generates markings in the semipermeable coating of the tablets even on a very small scale. UIDs, logos, machine-readable codes, and other identifying data for marking are configured using CMS Laser’s proprietary software with a straightforward interface.
CMS Laser introduced its tablet laser marking solution as a countermeasure against drug counterfeiting – substandard, unregistered, or falsified medicines that put at risk the health and lives of patients worldwide. You can read more about it here.
High-Volume Tablet Processing
A tablet laser drilling or marking system by CMS Laser processes 10,000 to 140,000 tablets per hour, depending on the model. Longitudinally compressed tablets (LCTs) can be processed at slower speeds with a different transport track. Other requirements, such as drilling multiple apertures per side or marking complex graphics, may add to the processing time.
| Model | Max. Tablets Per Hour |
|---|---|
| TD-10 | 10,000 |
| TD-70 | 70,000 |
| TD-70-2 | 70,000 Two-Sided |
| TD-140 | 140,000 |
Safety, Compliance, and Validation
CMS Laser’s solutions for the medical and pharmaceutical industries are delivered complete with the software that ensures compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 concerning electronic signatures and audit logs. We provide comprehensive support and documentation for validating IQ, OQ, and PQ protocols for quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Our tablet drilling and marking systems meet all criteria listed in the applicable OSHA Safety Codes and are rated Class I according to CDRH laser safety standards, signifying the safest category of laser-based equipment. The systems meet or exceed GMP standards and comply with the latest cGMP and GAMP 5 requirements at the time of order.
High-Tech Solutions for Pharma
CMS Laser counts leading U.S. and global pharmaceutical manufacturers among its clients. With an extensive install base and numerous collaborations, we develop comprehensive laser solutions for research and development, batch submittal, and full-scale production. We are proud to serve this critical industry by providing equipment that meets the high demands of modern production, supporting drugmakers in delivering safe and effective medications to patients worldwide.
Contact us today to speak with a laser specialist and find out how laser technology can boost your manufacturing processes. We provide free sample testing through our Application Lab to determine the best laser parameters and optics for your material. You are welcome to visit or ship a sample to our engineers for testing. If you are on social media, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest photo and video content!
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