Festo teams up with Syntegon Technology to help make insulin pens

The Festo servo press kit YJKP performs three joining and pressing steps in insulin pen assembly: inserting the cartridge, needle, and spring; inserting the glass cover; and inserting the plastic covers.

As a leading supplier of automation technology, The Festo Group covers a wide range of fields. A unique example: OEM systems builder Syntegon Technology uses the Festo YJKP servo press kit to help manufacture insulin pens. These pens are in constant demand, as the amount of diabetics is always increasing worldwide.

The YJKP servo press kit is an important part of Syntegon’s flexible production line for assembling these auto-injectors for diabetics.

Cost-efficient and highly flexible

Syntegon greatly expands the flexibility and agility of its systems with the YJKP, a key component. This unit is a pre-configured modular system consisting of software, controllers, and standard electric drives that users can easily integrate into a facility. Its pre-installed software enables a high degree of flexibility, and it is easy to parameterize, making it ready for immediate use, offering electric pressing and joining up to 17 kilonewtons. The YJKP is also more cost-efficient than any competing system is.

The company has installed more than 100 YJKP units in its automated assembly lines for insulin pens. The precisely adjustable pressing and joining forces result in consistent quality and low rejection rates. Since the kit is fast and easy to commission, machine operators do not require training to use it. Consistency in pressing is important; glass in the syringes breaks if it faces irregular pressure. Syntegon’s automated systems keep the pens in order to deliver the appropriate amount of insulin.

These assembly lines can make up to 300 insulin pens a minute, depending on the machine, and the degree of automation can be scaled. Syntegon can expand the system as demand requires to boost output or automate more functions. The YJKP helps to ensure than every pen is safe and user-friendly by keeping the tension and pressure constant. The pens must not break when patients use them.

The control system is based on Festo electrical and pneumatic components, which keeps supply consistent, as Festo solutions are available globally and standardization of components makes the time to market quicker. The CPX-E-CEC control module can be used with Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and EtherCAT.

For more information, contact Festo.

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