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An industrial setup thrives on machines and modern equipment. Whether you are in the pharmaceutical or automotive industry, equipment is essential to the operation of any business.
From CNC machines to Clean in Place systems, the latest advances in industrial equipment help businesses become more productive and efficient. Technical equipment is of particular importance for businesses as it helps them make informed and strategic decisions in terms of investment and improve the productivity of their operations.
In the cutthroat business environment, your technical backing determines your strength, whether you’re new to the industrial business market or a seasoned player looking to upgrade your production setup.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, explore this article for 10 important pieces of equipment for a productive industrial setup across core industry segments.
General Manufacturing Equipment
These pieces of equipment are industry-agnostic, meaning they can be used for any industry or sub-industry applications. Some of the important general manufacturing equipment are:
1. CNC Machines
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are important for cutting, drilling, and shaping materials with the utmost precision and efficiency. They are used to create new prototypes, manufacture products and repair and modify existing objects.
This is one piece of equipment widely used in manufacturing precise components in aerospace, medical equipment, electronics, oil and gas, and marine industries.
2. 3D Printers
The use and application of 3D printing devices are on a steady rise. Your business can make the most of 3D printers to create industrial parts. In the 3D printing process, objects are created by layering material based on digital models. By using the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing technique, the resulting end parts are sturdier, heat-resistant, lightweight and maintain structural integrity.
This equipment on your industrial unit gives you a leg up in your business prototyping and production processes.
3. Industrial Robots
Industrial operations have undergone a significant overhaul in production thanks to industrial robots. From packaging to welding, these robots can automate repetitive tasks and handle assembly lines by increasing speed and precision.
Collaborate robots or “cobots” are designed to operate safely alongside workers in setups with frequent human-machine interactions. Their involvement in the production process significantly reduces labour costs and production times, which in turn boosts productivity.
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Biotech and Pharmaceutical Equipment
Production of medicines and drugs in a pharmaceutical or biotechnological setup requires multiple types of equipment for various production stages. Some of the important equipment include:
4. Mixers and Blenders
Mixers and blenders evenly combine and distribute active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to achieve the desired composition for accurate dosage in capsules and tablets. There are various types of mixers and blenders, and their use is specific to the formulation and ingredient characteristics. Common variations include planetary mixers and ribbon mixers.
5. Granulators
Granulators help in granulation, a process that improves the flow of powders and compresses them into granules. This is an important process for creating consistent tablet size and dosage.
There are two important types of granulators that help with the granulation process: wet and dry. Wet granulators combine powders with liquid to create granules which are dried and processed further. Dry granulators process moisture-sensitive materials by creating granules without using liquids.
6. Decontamination Systems
Ensuring top-notch hygiene and cleanliness is of the utmost importance in pharmaceutical and biotechnological setups because they handle sensitive ingredients and formulations.
Manual cleaning of your production equipment is an option but often requires dismantling and reassembling of your equipment. However, this time-intensive process can not only risk contaminating your end products but also affect overall productivity.
One useful piece of equipment for your setup that does not need to be moved or disassembled is the Clean in Place (CIP) system. It can clean, disinfect, and sterilise your production equipment in a fraction of the time taken by manual cleaning.
7. Blister Packaging Machines
These machines are important for sealing every dose in individual blister packs. Blister packaging protects the pharma product from environmental factors like moisture, air, and light and preserves the potency till it reaches the end user. Blister packaging machines either use heat or pressure to protect your pharmaceutical products.
Thermoforming blister machines use heat on plastic to form a layer of protection around the product, while cold-forming blister machines rely on pressure to protect heat-sensitive products during packaging.
Food Processing Equipment
The food processing industry is another equipment-heavy sector requiring multiple machines and devices. Some of these are:
8. Slicers and Peelers
Peelers, slicers and washers come in handy in the preparation phase of industrial food processing. Having these machines in your setup speeds up the ingredient prep phase with more speed and precision. These types of equipment can efficiently handle the demands of any large-scale food production setup.
9. Grinders, Crushers and Mincers
The main function of grinders, crushers, and mincers is to break down solid food into smaller particles, which is an essential task having wide-ranging applications. These machines are a must-have as they’re used for creating everything, from flour for baking to ground meat for sausages. Using these machines ensures precision and uniformity in the end consumable products.
10. Heat Processing
These machinery and equipment hold the key to preserving consumables and enhancing food safety. Pasteurisers, canners and sterilisers are good at killing and preventing the growth of harmful microbes.
Heat processing not only prevents contamination and safeguards consumer health but also extends the shelf life of the food, whether it’s highly perishable dairy, vegetables or canned meat. These productivity-enhancing machines help boost product quality and aid in quicker production times.
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In Conclusion
Each of these categories of technical equipment offers specific advantages and functionalities that boost complex as well as everyday tasks. The key is to get the right combination of machinery and equipment to enhance the way your business operates and increase manufacturing efficiency in your industrial setup.
Business owners and production heads need to understand this equipment and their applications closely, along with reviewing their existing setup for potential upgrades that help improve manufacturing and production outcomes.
FAQs
CNC machines, or Computer Numerical Control machines, are crucial for cutting, drilling, and shaping materials with high precision and efficiency. They are widely used in industries like aerospace, medical equipment, electronics, oil and gas, and marine sectors to create prototypes, manufacture products, and repair existing objects.
3D printers allow your business to create industrial parts by layering materials based on digital models. This technology enhances prototyping and production processes, resulting in sturdier, heat-resistant, and lightweight parts, which can significantly improve your operational efficiency.
Industrial robots automate repetitive tasks and enhance assembly line operations by increasing speed and precision. They can reduce labor costs and production times, thus boosting overall productivity. Collaborative robots, or “cobots,” work safely alongside humans, making them ideal for setups with frequent human-machine interactions.
Mixers and blenders are vital for evenly combining active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to achieve accurate dosages in capsules and tablets. Different types, like planetary and ribbon mixers, cater to specific formulation and ingredient characteristics, ensuring product consistency and quality.
A Clean in Place (CIP) system is an efficient cleaning solution for production equipment in pharmaceutical and biotechnological setups. It cleans, disinfects, and sterilizes equipment without needing to disassemble it, saving time and minimizing the risk of contamination, which ultimately boosts productivity.
Heat processing machines, such as pasteurizers, canners, and sterilizers, are essential for killing harmful microbes and preventing contamination in food products. They not only extend shelf life but also improve product quality, making them indispensable for ensuring consumer health and safety in food production.
