Key features
Overview
The liquid filling system is a high-throughput manufacturing system for filling kit trays with with products used by professionals in the diagnosis & research of cancer for Leica Biosystems. With simple user changeable parts, the system can be adapted quickly for each of the required kit tray types, ranging from a capacity of 5 to 10 containers. To reach throughput targets, 4 trays are loaded at a time, which are processed in as little as 60 seconds, including barcode checks, dispensing and lid closure, ensuring repeatable results.
Dispensing is performed gravimetrically, using overhead reservoirs to hold liquid and pneumatic pinch valves to control liquid flow with up to milligram-level accuracy. To allow for user changeovers of material, the centre section can be lowered down and out of the system with electronic actuators for easier access. Minimising changeovers of material is important for reducing system downtime, and the addition of peristaltic pumps to backfill the reservoirs allows for double batches to be easily processed.
Pilz light curtains allow for safe user interaction with minimal disruption, giving users access to load and unload kit trays without having to open or close any doors. A Beckhoff servo-motor controlled central transfer axis provides accurate positioning of kit trays to the various stations in the system.