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Choosing the Vial Crimper or Decapper that’s Best for You

December 19, 2013 No Comments

Choosing the Vial Crimper or Decapper that’s Best for You

The crimping and decapping (or decrimping) of aluminium seals on and off glass bottles and vials is a vital process within any hospital, laboratory or pharmaceutical environment. However, choosing the best tools for the job can be a bit of a minefield and with different manufacturers offering varying degrees of quality you should look to purchase Crimpers and Decappers built to last.

If you’re looking for efficient, hard-wearing crimpers and decappers, then our range is best as superior build quality leads to a more dependable performance. But how do you choose the vial crimper or decapper that best-suits the type of project you’re working on?

How Many Units Are you Working With?

The most important thing to consider is numbers – how many glass bottles or vials will you be crimping or decapping? For low volumes of glass vials (Under 100 per day), hand crimpers and decappers are ideal. For mid-range volumes (100 – 500 per day), a bench-mounted vial crimper is more effective and for much larger volumes ( 500+) of vials a pneumatic crimper and decapper is usually required (to prevent arm-ache!).

Another consideration may be portability. Hand cappers and decappers are ideal when you’re working in the field. Their added mobility allows you to transport them along with your kit. Something that you’ll find more difficult with the larger bench mounted or pneumatic version.
Here is a quick overview of the different types of crimpers and decappers that are currently on the market and what they’re normally used for.

Hand Vial Crimpers:

Used for low numbers of vials, hand crimpers suit vial sizes of 8, 11, 13, 18, 20, 28, 30 and 32mm. They are designed to crimp different styles of cap, ranging from standard to recessed, flip top, flip cap and flip tear long reach.

Hand Vial Decappers:

Again, used for low volumes, hand vial decappers enable caps to be easily removed without damaging their associated glassware and are best suited to vials of 8, 11, 13, 18, 20, 28, 30 and 32 mm in size.

Bench-Mounted Crimpers

Ideal for mid-range volumes, bench-mounted crimpers offer a more efficient alternative to crimping by hand. Fully portable, their lever mechanisms generate maximum downwards force with the minimum of effort. Smaller models come with interchangeable heads that fit 20-30mm seals and the larger models are used to crimp 32mm caps using a two lever design – one lever to compress the stopper and the other to crimp the cap.

Pneumatic Crimpers and Decappers:

Air-powered crimping and decapping tools come with standard heads and are popular worldwide due to them being fast, efficient and lightweight. These products are used to crimp and decap large volumes of glass vials and bottles and are generally found in large laboratory and pharmaceutical environments.

Experience Drives Our Engineering: Hand Vial Crimpers with Comfort

December 17, 2013 No Comments

Experience Drives Our Engineering: Hand Vial Crimpers with Comfort

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Having been an apprentice Tinsmith (Sheet metal worker) in the early 1960s, I’ve had many years experience using all manner of hand tools. When used over extended periods of time and repeating the same manual motions they can become uncomfortable for the user. I learnt this lesson the hard way!

Laboratory Precision Hand Vial Crimper

I found the range of grips to vary greatly in practical terms and often this practicality came at an uncomfortable price. Some featured finger indents, some had forward stops (to keep your hands from sliding along) and some had wide handles: supposedly more comfort.

This experience was the key to the design of our hand crimpers and de-cappers: I wanted a tool that would be as comfortable as possible with no projections that would potentially result in blisters. From my own experience, tools with front profiles designed to stop your hand sliding forward always gave me blisters between my first finger and thumb. Handles with sharp bent corners also gave me blisters and were uncomfortable whilst tool grips with finger profiles never worked for me either.

I found the tools I was using lacked the “one size fits all scenario” – never truly fitting the palm of anyone properly. 90 degree U bent handles scratched the side of my hands which can also cause blisters, and rough textured surfaces make your hands sore.

Ergonomically designed tools with comfort in mind.

I designed our manual hand tools with rounded ‘U section’ handles and a cross
section profile that leans inwards, thus alleviating the problem of scratching and pinching whilst still giving a stable grip.

Laboratory Hand Vial Decapper

Width was considered and compromised on, allowing for the range of hand sizes that would be using the tools. The grips are of a straight and smooth finish as this was always the best shape and texture of handle from my own experience; cutting miles of sheet metal with tin snips.

As a tinsmith, I’d polished the handles of my snips and also made some myself as I could see that the practical need for improvement. There are mechanical constraints but the handle travel needed to be sensible and not too far apart at the outset of the levers. A feature that I’ve incorporated into our tools.

I’ve designed our crimpers to be as light weight as possible without compromising on strength and durability. If you’re doing the same action for any length of time then handle comfort is not the only consideration but weight too must be ideal: The tools are well balanced: light but sturdy and solid.

Experience Leads to a Better Product.

These are some of the design considerations that were taken into account when designing our manual hand crimpers and de-cappers. Years of experience went into the development of our products meaning that when it comes to practical application you’ll have the most comfortable experience possible.

Any tool should not only be designed with a job in mind but also the comfort of the person doing that job. At Laboratory Precision we understand this and it makes our tools some of the most effective on the market today.

Crimpers & Tools Designed from Experience

December 17, 2013 No Comments

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Having been an apprentice Tinsmith (Sheet metal worker) in the early 1960s, I’ve had many years experience using all manner of hand tools. When used over extended periods of time and doing the same motions they can become uncomfortable for the userSome with finger indents and some with forward stops (to keep your hands from sliding forward) and some with wide handles for supposedly more comfort.

This experience was the key to the design of our hand crimpers and
de-cappers: I wanted a tool that would be as comfortable as possible with
no projections that would result in blisters. Tools with front profiles designed to stop your hand sliding forward always gave me blisters between my first finger and thumb. Handles with sharp bent corners also gave me blisters and were uncomfortable whilst tool grips with finger profiles never worked for me either.

I designed our manual hand tools with rounded ‘U section’ handles and a cross
section profile that leans inwards, thus alleviating the problem with scratching and pinching whilst still giving a stable grip on the tool.

I polished the handles of my snips and also made some myself as I could see that the practical need for improvement. There are mechanical constraints but the handle travel needed to be sensible and not to far apart at the outset of the levers.

I’ve designed our crimpers to be as light weight as possible with compromising on strength and durability. If you’re doing the same action for any length of time then handle comfort is not the only consideration but weight too must be ideal: The tools are well balanced and light but sturdy and solid.

These are some of the design considerations that were taken into account when designing our manual hand crimpers and de-cappers. years of experience went into the development of our products meaning that when it comes to practical application you’ll have the most comfortable experience possible.

UK Made Laboratory Balances, Scales & Accessories

December 13, 2013 No Comments

When Precision and Accuracy are the Most Important Factors

The Brave New World

When you consider that the ‘science’ of chemistry only started to develop in the 17th century – some three hundred odd years ago – the journey of chemical science has been quite extraordinary, reaching a level of sophistication that would have been beyond the dreams of past generations. Carbon fibre, lightweight composites, carbon nanotubes, advanced pharmaceuticals, and the microprocessors that run our world all have chemical wizardry somewhere in their production and development.

The other facet of this exciting world of technological development is ‘absolute precision’. Whether it is the research scientist or the analytical chemist, the need for precise data and accuracy of measurements is crucial, and no less so in the case of area of laboratory balances and scales.

The Digital Age Means Greater Accuracy

In the past, chemists relied on handling physical weights, and their ability to accurately read off the figures from a calibrated scale, when it came to weighing substances. These methods still have their place as fall-backs, or in remote parts of the world with few facilities, but today’s researcher is more likely to reach for a digital laboratory scale or balance to get precise and reliable measurements. Indeed, the new digital balances available are often incredibly sophisticated and the UK is fortunate to have some of the best digital laboratory equipment manufacturers in the world.

Many of the models available to researchers have USB and RS-232 connections that allow measurements to be directly harvested by an attached computer or laptop, speeding up the data-gathering process. Some models even come with audible overload indicators to prevent damage to the balance.With a huge range of accessories available such as covers, hard case, anti-vibration tables and density determination kits, you can tailor each device specifically to your requirements

In the Laboratory Or Out in The Field

In the area of corporate or public laboratory field research portable digital scales and balances are available for on-site use, so enabling researchers to spend longer in the field collecting data rather than returning to base to begin the measurement process. Low cost compact versions can simply work on AA batteries while more high-end precision portable models work on rechargeable batteries or DC adapters.

Cutting Edge Technology

For researchers at the cutting edge of chemical know-how, products, or pharmaceuticals the demand for absolute accuracy and precision of weight measurements is, again, crucial. Investing thousands of man-hours in developing a new product only to have that work undermined by poor data measurements is not what a company, or its shareholders, will want to hear. Where the research is groundbreaking, and reputations could be at stake through peer review, then accurate and reliable measurements from robust laboratory equipment is also a must. But, as mentioned, there are British companies out there that are leaders in this field of laboratory equipment.

UK Manufactured Glass Injection Vials – A Guide

December 6, 2013 No Comments

The characteristics of an injection vial can vary from one manufacturer to the next, which is why it’s important to consider the suitability of each individual type. Ensure you choose the appropriate container with this quick guide to glass injection vials.

Why choose UK glass injection vials?

The finest glass injection vials are manufactured with quality and resilience in mind. Precision made by established and respected manufacturers, genuine glass vials guarantee durability and are typically USP enforced (United States Pharmacopoeia) to ensure they meet client requirements.

Specifications

Amber Borosilicate Type 1 Glass Injection Vial

Glass vial types are categorised by their USP type and are all designed to comply with product quality standards. The most common glass type is the USP Type 1 Borosilicate glass. Excellent quality and highly sought-after – these are used to manufacture most of the glass apparatus in labs and other similar environments.

These borosilicate injection vials are made with the least reactive glass type, making them highly suitable for lyophilisation/freeze-drying and parentarel applications.

The benefits

As borosilicate vials are made with the least reactive material, they are very pH stable. In other words, borosilicate glass can withstand many corrosive substances without harming the glass container.

They can also remain stable at a wide range of temperatures and vial contents can be freeze-dried without causing damage to the vials. Neither will the glass in any way harm or react with the contents. Borosilicate vials can also be autoclaved for sterilisation purposes.

Who uses them?

Due to their durability and various benefits, glass injection vials have uses in many different faculties such as laboratories and pharmaceutical companies, veterinary practices, hospitals, schools, research centres and much more.

Compatibility

The compatibility with other products is entirely dependent on the vial type. The USP type 1 Borosilicate glass vials are compatible with all corresponding crimp caps and seals. Silicone vial stoppers are also suitable for type 1 injection vials to ensure protection when freeze-drying and injecting highly reactive substances.

Clear Borosilicate Type 1 Glass Injection Vial

Glass injection vials are not limited to use in a specific industry. As aforementioned, they can be used in many different faculties. All USP types of glass injection vials – from Borosilicate, Soda-Lime and De-alkalized Soda-Lime glass vials can be used to contain products for many different purposes.

Less stable injection vials, for example, may store liquids and tablets for general healthcare purposes, while glass vials that are able to contain more reactive substances have their uses in the Bioscience and Pharmaceutical industry.

Compressed Air Supply Questions and Answers

May 23, 2013 No Comments

Compressed Air Supply Questions and Answers

Before buying a compressor you need to know.

What pressure is required?
How much air will you need to use? How many LPM or CFM.
Does the air need to be clean?
Does the air need to be dry?
Does the compressor need to be silent? i.e. below 65 db.

Selecting a suitable air compressor.

Small Oil lubricated compressors are usually quieter but as they wear they can throw oil into the supply line which may or may not be an issue as some workshop machines or tools require lubrication in any case.

If clean air is the most important criteria, then an oil free compressor is what you require and addittional filters can be added to whichever specification you require. If dry air is also important to prevent bacteria growth, then the oil free compressor will need to be fitted with a dryer. Oil free compressors are also quiet when supplied in a dedicated soundproof cabinet.

Compressed air supply considerations

An air supply of up to 80 psi (5.5 Bar) is the pressure that you will find most small compressor units will supply but some provide less. In house air (i.e. air supplied to a clean-room or workshop from a large central compressor) will likely be reduced by “pressure drop” due to an extended distance to the outlet or, by other users closer to the compressor. Because of these issues, a small, dedicated compressor is sometimes the best way to keep the pressure and flow constant.

It is most important to know how much air i.e. how many LPM (litres per minute) or CFM (cubic feet per minute) the machine you are using requires, as well as the required pressure in PSI (pounds per square inch) or (BAR).

How the compressed air is generated

The amount of air supplied is determined by the volume which the pump unit can generate depending on its size or the speed it operates. Overuse or leaking air will deplete the amount stored in the compressor’s tank and cause the pump to run, sometimes continuously. Most compressors are designed to run 50% of the time and others are 100% rated, however, in a warm atmosphere, any compressor can overheat and in such circumstances it will fail.

At LPL we prefer that our customers ask our opinion to ensure they buy the correct compressor.

Which Vial Crimper Do I Need?

May 22, 2013 No Comments

A question we hear many times a day but the answer is not necessarily a simple one. We will usually answer this with some questions about your assembly.

What type of cap are you using?

There are many types and sizes of crimp on caps available and it would be easy to assume that one size fits all or, near enough is good enough. This, however, is not the case. Pharmaceutical sizes are generally termed as 11mm, 13mm, 20mm, 28mm and 32mm with some variations in between. Some caps are of varying diameter and skirt length and some have plastic tops. These differences have to be catered for in the manufacturing of the crimping tool so a drawing or samples of the customer’s caps are important to ensure that we supply a compatible crimping tool.

If you are using spray pump caps for nasal medications or cosmetics, a multi-fingered split-collet type of crimper may be required, especially when the cap skirt is long and is therefore required to be laid against the neck of the bottle.

How well does the cap, stopper and vial fit together?

Some manufacturers supply caps which are smaller in diameter than US and European standard sizes. They can also be short in skirt length so care should be taken before trying to mix and match as the vials and stoppers may not be a suitable fit for the assembly. If the cap is not long enough, it won’t fit! If the diameter is wrong, it will look untidy or even jam the tool. Sorry about that but you get my point. The best fitting tool along with quality compatible components is the key to a secure seal and there is no substitute for a quality crimper.

We at LPL stock regular size crimpers and de-cappers along with compatible vials caps and stoppers. We also manufacture many special crimpers and de-cappers so please contact us for details.

Types of Glass Used for Glass Vials

April 22, 2013 No Comments

Types of Glass Used for Glass Vials

The types of glass used in containers can be determined by USP (United States Pharmacopoeia) criteria but, on it’s own, is generally not enough to choose the appropriate vial. This means that the end user will have to look at the choices and then determine the characteristics of each vial on offer as these can vary between manufacturers. However, the UPS criteria is a pretty good place to start.

USP Type I Borosilicate Glass

This is the least reactive type of glass available for containers. All lab glass apparatus is generally Type I borosilicate glass.

In most cases Type I glass is used to package products which are alkaline or will become alkaline over a period of time. Care must be taken in selecting containers for applications where the pH is very low or very high, as even Type I glass can be subject to a reaction under certain conditions. Although Type I has the highest pH stability of any glass, some substances could still cause the glass to become unstable and contaminate the contents.

Many manufacturers now offer vials which have added surface treatments in order to improve the stability of the glass even further.

USP Type II De-alkalized Soda-Lime Glass

This type of glass has higher levels of sodium hydroxide and calcium oxide than type I. Although it is still quite stable and safe to use with products that remain below pH7, it is not as stable as type I.

USP Type III Soda-Lime Glass

This type of glass could be used for storing dry powder and also liquids which are insensitive to alkali. Type III glass should not be used for products that are to be autoclaved, but is suitable for dry heat sterilization.

USP Type NP soda-lime glass is a general purpose glass and is used for non-parenteral products (to be taken orally or by inhalation) as the vial will not typically be in contact with chemicals or heat. These vials are often used for storing medicines in tablet form.

What else should you consider when choosing a container?

If light sensitivity of the product is an issue, you may wish to consider using an amber glass container.
If a product is sensitive to certain chemicals within the glass, you could experience a leakage of these substances into the liquid product and cause contamination.
The filling and processing stages that the container will have to withstand are important. If you require the container to have minimal thermal expansion, there are a few options open to you. A typical tubular container with thinner and more uniform walls will withstand thermal shock better than a moulded glass container within the same expansion range. The physical design of the container can also be important with regards to the amount of thermal and mechanical shock resistance it shows. You will often be required to make a compromise between resistance to mechanical shock and thermal shock in order to decide on the correct container to use.
The interaction of glass and liquid solutions is incredibly complex. You will need to consider the risk of corrosion and reaction of the glass when used with certain products.

Please use this information purely as a guide to choosing the appropriate container for your application as each requirement will need evaluating separately.

If you would like advice or assistance in choosing the correct glass vial for your application, please contact us.

Crimp Sealing Metal Caps on Vials and Containers

April 22, 2013 No Comments

Security
Sealing aluminium caps over a rubberised stopper or septa has been and still is the preferred way to seal a vial. I have tested crimp seals to a pressure of well over 15 bar without leakage in a test rig, you would be surprised how big a bubble you can create from the seal bulging through the centre hole in the cap. “Don’t try this as it was done in controlled conditions”. When fitted properly once a crimp seal is on, that is where it stays and it doesn’t have to be crushed tight to make a good seal. Many people over-crimp a cap which puts unnecessary pressure on the tooling and can distort the seal.

Crimp cap materials
Historically over-seals (caps) have been made from aluminium because it is light, easy to cut and easy to form, plus when the correct grade of material is used there is less spring back than with steel. Spring back is and has always been a problem in metal forming. You need to break down the structure somewhat to make it stay where you put it and where possible you can over bend it to make it stay where you want it to, however when you push against a solid object this is not possible. That is why a rubberised stopper or septa of a reasonable thickness is so important, the seal must be able to cope with the spring back of the aluminium when formed under the head of the container and still maintain a tight seal between the septa/stopper and the container.

Preperation and inspection of parts to be used
The viability of a good seal is also determined by the surface the seal sits on. There must not be any irregularities such as mould joints or marks that lead across the joint where leakage could flow. This is often found on plastic bottles when the top has not been properly finished and in some cases there is misalignment between the two halves of the bottle where the mould has been misaligned.

Crimp cap sealing methods
There are a number of ways to form an aluminium cap under the head of the vial or container. The word “crimp” is perhaps what most people will know as what the hairdresser will do to your hair. However, this relates to the corrugated effect used by metalworkers to reduce available metal. You can only push so much metal into itself before it gets very hard and thick; so the crimp affect is another way to reduce the amount of available metal especially with steel caps such as beer bottle tops. The serrations are also found on spray cosmetics pump caps where the metal is pushed inwards where it either has to be pressed into itself or corrugated.

Terminology
This term crimp or crimping although not entirely accurate has passed over to sealing by the hand tool method where the finished crimp is smooth and not corrugated i.e. shrinking the metal by pushing it into itself. Using aluminium makes it easier to do this and the finished product looks cleaner and is smoother.

The above is based on my 50 years experience of metal manipulation of which 25 years has involved the manufacture of crimping tools. Please contact us for advice on which of our vial crimping tools is most suitable for your application.