Formulating innovation in chemical handling
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Mitsubishi Electric has helped Labman Automation in the development of a compact , fully automated and high-throughput formulation system in under seven months . The innovative unit has been created for CPI ’ s National Formulation Centre and is built around two MELFA RV-series six-axis robots with CR800 controllers . These support processing , dispensing and handling activities for a wide range of materials . This advanced setup can enhance productivity by 5-10 times , improving CPI ’ s offering to companies bringing advanced paint , coating and battery formulations to the market .
CPI is a leading independent technology and innovation centre that connects academia , businesses , government and investors with the aim to bring innovative ideas and research to the marketplace . Its Sedgefield-based National Formulation Centre provides the tools and expertise to support companies in the commercialisation of their next-generation formulations for active pharmaceutical ingredients , paints , coatings , detergents and batteries .
As part of its continuous programme of investment in new equipment and technologies , CPI decided to develop a self-contained , universal automatic formulation system with a glovebox enclosure that could address even the most ambitious processing needs . This would support the commercialisation of new formulations in a variety of markets and applications .
Creating a flexible processing setup To develop the new formulation system , CPI contacted its preferred specialist in lab automation and robotics , Labman . Dr . Lynn Donlon , Principal Scientist at CPI , explains : “ Labman is a trusted partner for developing customised automation systems . We have collaborated with them on a number of projects across various applications and they have always delivered excellent solutions .”