With the new Xelum platform, Bosch promises to offer an innovative solution for the continuous production of solid pharmaceuticals. For the first time, one system combines all of steps — dosing, mixing, granulating and pressing — and that too fully automatically and without any interruptions, paving the way for more efficient tablet manufacturing.

Based in Waiblingen near Stuttgart, Germany, and employing 6,200 associates, the Bosch Packaging Technology division is one of the leading suppliers of process and packaging technology.

As an example of its broad portfolio from small-batch development to production scale-up, Bosch will showcase the Solidlab 2 fluid-bed and drum-coater module. “We don’t just provide customers with individual machines. Our formulation and processing experts also support them with extensive pharmaceutical knowhow and a wide range of training seminars to help them implement their ideas,” Treitel said. In addition, the latest automation solutions facilitate formulation, quality control and data handling. The new phase-testing device, for instance, makes it possible to automatically determine the stability of liquid, creamy or pasty formulations.

At the show, Bosch will also launch its first ‘made in Germany’ TPR 500 tablet press. “By transferring production from England to Waiblingen, we have further expanded our Waiblingen facilities’ portfolio,” said Treitel. “As a result, we can directly apply the latest technological innovations from our proven capsule fillers to the tablet presses, and optimally capitalise on synergy effects.” Equipped with a 56-station rotor, the TPR 500 has an output rate of over 400,000 tablets per hour.

When it comes to secondary packaging, Bosch’s portfolio includes a broad range of cartoning machines. One example, to be displayed at Interpack, is the horizontal cartoning machine CUT 1405, which offers impressive flexibility in the choice of feeding systems, formats and closure variants. A CPS module with checkweigher and tamper evident labelling function serialises the folded cartons. When combined with industry 4.0 technologies, such as Bosch’s CPI software, customers receive a complete serialisation solution that not only supports all current guidelines, but also provides multi-level connection with the company IT.

The focus is on solutions for preventive maintenance as well as services to eliminate unwanted machine conditions as quickly as possible. To this end, Bosch provides a worldwide service network with qualified field service technicians who offer regional support.