Thermoformed Pharmaceutical Material Handling Trays Support and Streamline Operations
Pharmaceutical manufacturing requires protection at every stage. Vials, syringes, components and other sensitive items must move through production and shipping without damage.
Generic trays may not provide the fit or functionality these products require. You need custom thermoformed handling trays that are designed around your unique product’s production and transportation.
The Right Tray At the Right Time
A small material handling problem can create major consequences:
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Products that shift, tip or collide may become damaged.
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Poorly organized components may slow inspections, filling and packaging.
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Excessive manual handling can also increase the risk of damage and production delays.
The right material handling tray holds every item securely in a repeatable position.
Thermoforming Makes It Possible
Thermoformed trays can be designed to closely match a product’s dimensions and handling requirements. Individual cavities can separate and protect items while maintaining the orientation needed throughout production and shipping.
Custom trays can also:
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Reduce movement and product damage
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Support conveyors and pick-and-place systems
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Simplify counting and visual inspection
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Reduce unnecessary manual touchpoints
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Stack efficiently when loaded
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Nest together to save space when empty
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Support repeated use in closed-loop operations
Considering the Complete Product Journey
Effective tray design begins with more than product measurements. Manufacturers should consider the complete product journey, including how trays will be loaded, transported, stacked, inspected and unloaded.
Material selection also matters. Strength, impact resistance, moisture resistance, rigidity and cost can all influence performance. Tray designs must account for conveyor dimensions, robotic pick points, product visibility, weight distribution and stacking requirements.
Pro-Form Brings Pharmaceutical Tray Concepts to Life
The Pro-Form Custom Packaging team uses CAD modeling, material expertise and prototyping to help you evaluate each design and request adjustments before production. From consistent product orientation to efficient stacking and automated handling, we’ll work with you to create a tray that performs in your manufacturing environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pharmaceutical Material Handling Trays
What are pharmaceutical material handling trays?
Pharmaceutical material handling trays are designed to hold, organize and protect vials, syringes, components and other sensitive items during production, storage and shipping. Custom trays help keep each item securely positioned throughout its journey.
Can thermoformed trays be used with pharmaceutical manufacturing automation?
Yes. Thermoformed trays can be designed to maintain products in consistent, repeatable positions for conveyors, robotic equipment and pick-and-place systems. Designs can account for conveyor dimensions, robotic pick points and the orientation required for filling, inspection or packaging.
What should manufacturers consider when designing pharmaceutical handling trays?
Manufacturers should consider the complete product journey, including how trays will be loaded, transported, stacked, inspected and unloaded. Product dimensions, weight distribution, visibility, automated equipment and storage requirements may also affect the final design.
What is the difference between stackable and nestable trays?
Stackable trays are designed to sit securely on top of one another while loaded, helping manufacturers organize products and use vertical storage space. Nestable trays fit inside one another when empty, reducing the space required for storage or return transportation.
Can thermoformed material handling trays be reused?
Thermoformed trays can be designed for repeated use in closed-loop manufacturing and transportation systems. Reusability depends on the selected material, tray construction, handling conditions and performance requirements.