Small-Batch Laser Drilling and Marking for Pharmaceutical R&D

Test formulations, evaluate product coatings, and refine laser drilling and marking processes before moving to full-scale production.

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The Ackley Hartnett R&D Laser

Combines laser drilling, marking, and coding in a compact system designed for small-batch pharmaceutical applications. From evaluating laser performance on different product coatings to testing drilling configurations and identification methods, researchers can explore processing options without the need for production-scale equipment.

Small Batches. More Flexibility.

Whether processing a handful of products or evaluating multiple configurations, the R&D Laser provides the flexibility to conduct small-scale trials without involving a production line.

The manually operated system uses a custom-machined paddle that holds up to 25 products. Operators can select individual positions for drilling or marking through the touchscreen interface.

The system supports a range of pharmaceutical products, including osmotic tablets, conventional tablets, caplets, hard capsules, and softgel capsules, using product-specific handling arrangements.

With programmable settings for up to 50 products, researchers can return to established processing configurations as development requirements change.

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A close-up of soft yellow gelatin capsules in a tablet for the laser drilling machine. Each capsule is marked with the letters "AMC."

Evaluate Laser Marking on Different Coatings and Surfaces

How will a laser mark appear on a new tablet coating? Will a different formulation or surface finish affect marking quality?

The R&D Laser allows teams to test laser interaction with different product coatings and surfaces, evaluate the appearance and readability of markings, and adjust laser parameters before committing to larger-scale processing.

Marking and coding applications include:

  • Alphanumeric text and product identification codes
  • Logos and vector graphics
  • Barcodes
  • Adjustable marking size, line width, and etch depth

Researchers can explore different designs and marking parameters across tablets, capsules, and softgels to help determine the appropriate approach for each product.

Test and Refine Laser Drilling Parameters

For osmotic and other controlled-release products requiring laser-drilled apertures, the R&D Laser provides adjustable drilling parameters for formulation development and dissolution testing.

  • Aperture diameters: 0.400 to 1.500 mm
  • Drilling depths: 0.30 to 1.50 mm
  • Drilling patterns: Up to four apertures per side with adjustable spacing

Researchers can evaluate different aperture configurations and refine their processing requirements without relying on high-speed production equipment.

R&D Laser Drilling Machine with user and touchscreen

One System. Multiple R&D Applications.

Product coatings, formulations, shapes, and identification requirements can vary from one development project to the next.

The R&D Laser gives research teams the flexibility to investigate these differences using a single system for both drilling and marking.

Its 17-inch touchscreen, programmable product settings, compact footprint, and mobility make it a practical addition to pharmaceutical research environments.

From Small-Batch Trials to Production

Whether evaluating how a laser responds to a new coating, developing a product identification method, or refining an osmotic drilling pattern, the R&D Laser helps teams establish processing requirements on a small scale.

As projects advance, Ackley Hartnett also offers production-scale laser drilling and marking equipment to support future manufacturing needs.

Explore the Ackley Hartnett R&D Laser

Discover how small-batch laser processing can support your next pharmaceutical development project.

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