Vial Dispensing Machine

The Challenge

The main objective of developing this system was to create an automated filling and capping machine where the accuracy of dispensing liquid into the vial was of utmost importance.

The system would also automatically identify that specific parameters are adhered to before continuing the process, ensuring complete quality control and serialisation of the end product.

1. Dispense a pre-defined amount of liquid from 250µl to 1000µl with an accuracy of +/-5%.
2. Seal the container with the screw cap.
3. Verify that a label is present on the vial.
4. Outlet finished product into bags for operator packing.
5. Store any failed produce in an upright fashion (to avoid spillage) for operator removal.

The Solution

The indexing table carries a series of nests into which an operator loads a single vial, which is automatically presented at a filling station where a pipette-style pump is mounted on a linear axis. A pump draws up to one millilitre of liquid from either of two supply vessels, and the desired amount of liquid is then dispensed into the vial.

The filled vial was indexed to the capping station, where it was gripped firmly from below. A vibrating bowl feed system separated and orientated the caps so that one can be escaped to the side for picking and then presented over the vial before being lowered and screwed into place.

The capped vials were indexed to the unload station, where they were raised in their nest to be picked out and transferred to the unload chute, where they were lowered into the tube and released. The chute drops them into one of two zip-lock style bags. When the maximum count for each bag is reached, a diverter flap will move the vials to another bag, and an operator will replace the filled bag.