Tekpak's robotic system lifts transdermal patch output over 30%

Irish machinery maker Tekpak Automation has deployed a robotic inspection and packaging line, the QC-Sleever, at an unnamed UK transdermal patch manufacturer, lifting throughput by more than 30% to 1,600 patches per minute. The system, built around four Schneider Delta robots and ten vision-inspection stages per patch, cut the reject rate below 1%, reduced labour needs by up to 12 operators per shift and shrank floor space by over 30% versus a conventional multi-machine line.

Why this mattersIllustrates how vision-guided robotics can compress labour and footprint costs in high-precision pharmaceutical packaging lines, a template other converters may pursue.

• Tekpak's QC-Sleever uses four Schneider Delta robots to inspect, pick and package patches at up to 1,600 patches per minute
• The system reduced the reject rate to below 1% at an unnamed UK transdermal patch manufacturer
• Labour requirements fell by up to 12 operators per shift compared with the previous manual process
• Floor space required was cut by more than 30% versus a conventional multi-machine setup
• Each patch undergoes ten separate vision inspections before being approved for packing
• Tekpak Automation, based in Wexford, Ireland, has more than 25 years supplying robotic automation to food and pharma manufacturers

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