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Latest developments introduced the possibility to utilize additive manufacturing (three-dimensional – 3D printing) in the pharmaceutical sector. Combined with a special industrial oven for drying pharmaceutical tablets, 3D printing is entering the healthcare industry, bridging various advantages, such as improvements in quality and efficiency. Moreover, additive manufacturing brings flexibility and a high level of control over production processes.
The technology is still in the early stages of development, but has enormous growth potential, and probably will be able to replace mass production of medicine with personalized solutions to some extent, and is a promising technology for the healthcare sector. The first 3D-printed medicine was already launched in 2015. The process is accompanied by high production efficiency, in addition to a reduction of the required development time. In addition, the potential of this revolutionary technology is huge, as it lowers manufacturing costs and can combine various drugs in a single tablet.
Most importantly, the main benefit of such medication, is the ability to adapt them for each patient, meaning that it enables the production of personalized medicine, which includes different precise dosages, and answers specific requirements. Utilizing 3D printing for tablets will change the traditional production, and will be a step forward towards increasing the quality of personalized medication. Furthermore, it will also increase the competitiveness in this industry.
By applying layer-by-layer 3D printing, personalized medicine is reaching another level of development, which was not previously possible, as the dosages can be customized to specific requirements. Another significant benefit of this manufacturing process presents cost reduction, in addition to the decreased waste production, taking into account the efficiency of the 3D-printing process.
One of the major challenges that additive manufacturing of personalized medicine brings is the need for proper drying, which is often the last step in the process. Hence, it is crucial to own the proper equipment, which guarantees the safety and stability of the products. This is where an industrial medication oven proves its importance, as they take part in a crucial step in the production process. By applying heat, drying ovens remove water and solvents from the products. They have an operating temperature range from ambient heat to 1000°F (538°C) and are available in multiple sizes and with different temperature abilities. Moreover, they offer precise control and adjustments to the temperature and humidity levels.
Offered are a couple of options for drying ovens, which include: batch (excellent if large quantities are dried), cleanroom (utilize HEPA – High-Efficiency Particulate Air filtration, to ensure a clean environment), continuous (characterized by air temperature uniformity), convection (using a fan, enable uniform heat distribution), hybrid (highly effective, as they utilize both convection and infrared technologies), infrared (rapid heat transfer at high-temperature levels), and vacuum (remove oxygen from the chamber).
Another consideration when choosing a drying oven also includes the ability to safely handle isopropyl alcohol, and other flammable solvents, while a requirement for such ovens is to be made out of stainless steel, which enables high cleanliness levels, and ease of maintenance, whilst being corrosion resistant. Additionally, high-temperature uniformity throughout the chamber is crucial, accompanied by high consistency degree, as well as even airflow distribution, in order to ensure product quality. In the end, it is important to ask for expert help, for finding the ideal, optimized, and custom solution, that matches the requirements of the customer.
