Description
This project aims to design and develop a new generation of capper/decapper for pharmaceutical environments, where only a few models currently exist and usually at a high price. The stage could lead to one of two outcomes: improving and building upon an already imagined first concept, or exploring a completely new design. Leveraging M31’s expertise in hardware, firmware, and software to control such systems, the project’s mission is to deliver a solution that is affordable, reliable, and adaptable for biomedical and cleanroom applications. The final result will be a functional prototype supported by comprehensive documentation for replication and scalability.
The project is guided by three main objectives. First, analyzing existing solutions and identifying opportunities for innovation. Second, designing and testing an improved or completely new capper/decapper concept. Third, producing clear and detailed documentation that supports production, validation, and future industrial deployment.
Why This System is Needed
Cappers and decappers are essential in the pharmaceutical industry, where sterility, precision, and efficiency are critical. Current solutions face significant limitations:
- High Costs: Available models remain expensive despite relying on standard components.
- Limited Innovation: Few options exist that address specialized needs such as cleanroom, biomedical, or UVC-resistant environments.
- Lack of Scalability: Current systems are not easily adaptable to different vial dimensions or pharmaceutical setups, requiring costly customization.
This project addresses these challenges by developing a versatile, cost-effective, and innovative capper/decapper system supported by strong documentation and design methodology.ms while reducing risks and costs associated with downtime or security breaches.
How We Plan to Achieve It
The project will be carried out in several phases, each with a clear scope and deliverables.
1. Analysis of the Existing Capper/Decapper
Focus on analyzing the existing capper/decapper solutions available on the market. This includes a detailed market investigation, assessment of price structures, and physical analysis of existing devices. By identifying their strengths and weaknesses, the team will establish a solid foundation for the redesign process and prepare the first 3D reference models using SolidWorks.
2. Capper/Decapper Improvement
Attention will shift to improvements and innovations. The project will investigate alternative components from reliable suppliers and evaluate materials suitable for specialized environments such as cleanrooms, biomedical laboratories, and UVC-resistant contexts. From this analysis, a list of possible improvements will be defined, alongside the exploration of entirely new conceptual directions. A trade-off study will then be conducted to determine which concept or design path offers the most promising balance between cost, adaptability, and performance.
3. Prototyping and Testing
Concentrate on prototyping and testing. SolidWorks will be employed as the primary CAD platform, though alternatives such as FreeCAD or student-licensed tools will be considered for economic efficiency. All final production drawings will be delivered in 2D PDF format, while 3D models will be preserved in SolidWorks for traceability. Parameter-guided 3D models will be developed to allow size adaptation, and the team will become familiar with M31’s 3D model organization and Product Data Management system. Following the design stage, a prototype will be produced, assembled, and subjected to rigorous testing procedures to validate its performance, precision, and reliability. Any necessary rectifications will be made during this phase.
4. Documentation
The final phase will involve systematic documentation. This will include the continuous tracing of project progress, the preparation of production drawings, the creation of clear test procedures, and the writing of detailed test reports. A comprehensive final manual will be compiled to ensure that the solution is well documented, reproducible, and scalable for future deployment.