Laboratory workstation for the pharmaceutical industry FLEX FORMAX

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Overview
FLEX FORMAX is a compact automated formulation workstation designed for accelerated formulation development and optimization. The modular system enables fully automated, reproducible formulation and characterization workflows in under one square meter of bench space. It supports precise control of viscosity, pH, temperature and stirring, and integrates gravimetric dispensing and volumetric liquid handling for a wide range of materials.

Key features

• Fully automated formulation and characterization on a compact footprint (typical configuration < 1 m²).
• Standard deck: up to 6 precision formulation vessels (150 mL) per module, 3 overhead gravimetric dispensing robotic tools, racks for vials and syringes, heated and disposable pre-formulation vessels.
• Alternative configuration: up to 12 precision vessels in 2 modules without extra racks.
• FLEX FORMAX PERSONAL: exchangeable robotic tools to change functionality on the fly.
• Gravimetric dispensing for solids, powders, liquids, viscous materials, pastes, creams and waxes down to milligram resolution.
• 4-Needle head for volumetric liquid handling and automated sampling.
• Balance resolution options: 0.1 mg or 0.01 mg; broad dispensing range from a few mg to several grams.
• Continuous real-time monitoring and control of internal and jacket temperature, shear rate, viscosity, scraping speed, reflux and pH; optional inert atmosphere.
• Adjustable scraper positioning and material options (e.g. PTFE, PEEK).
• Comprehensive data logging: dispensed amounts, mixing speed, temperature, time; read-only log files with interfaces to Excel, DOE and AI tools.

Functional elements and workflow examples
The formulation module comprises up to 6 individually controlled high‑precision workstations. Each workstation includes a vessel/blender, feed vessel and syringe pump and can be configured for diverse workflows. The working area can host up to 2 modules. Typical workflow steps: add water, start stirring, add active, add thickener, heat to 80 °C, stir at 80 °C, cool to 25 °C, add aqueous phase, add emulsifier, stir at 25–35 °C, add filler/solvent/surfactant/oil phase, final stir at ambient temperature.

Benefits

• Reduced cost per sample (up to ~45% depending on workflow).
• Higher throughput and productivity (up to 5× improvement).
• Improved reproducibility and data quality; scalable and configurable to project needs.
• Ability to run up to 12 formulations per run depending on configuration.
• Fast balance moves and tool exchange to optimize cycle time.
• Simple integration of pH probes and other analytics.
• Easy data export for analysis and integration with DOE/AI workflows.

Technical specifications

• Product name / series: FLEX FORMAX
• Manufacturer / brand: Chemspeed
• Formulation vessels per module: up to 6 × 150 mL (alternative: 12 in 2 modules)
• Feed vessels: up to 6 × 50 mL with magnetic stirring and jacket temperature control (up to 90 °C)
• Balance resolution: 0.1 mg or 0.01 mg
• Dispensing capability: gravimetric dispensing for solids, powders, liquids, high‑viscosity materials, pastes, creams, waxes; range from a few mg to several grams
• Volumetric handling: 4-Needle Head for liquids and automated sampling
• Temperature control: internal and jacket temperature monitoring and control; heating to 80 °C and controlled cooling demonstrated
• Monitoring & control: shear rate, viscosity, scraping speed, reflux, pH; continuous real‑time monitoring and logging
• Scraper options: adjustable positioning and orientation; materials e.g. PTFE, PEEK
• Automation: exchangeable robotic tools for multi‑functionality; typical 3 overhead gravimetric dispensing tools
• Throughput: up to 12 formulations per run (configuration dependent)
• Data: read‑only log file of dispensed amount, mixing speed, temperature, time; interfaces to Excel, DOE and AI
• Footprint: compact, designed for small labs (typical configuration < 1 m²)