Originally Published EMDM January/February 2005
Equipment News
Recent developments in assembly equipment |
Cleanroom-compatible transport system uses self-propelled shuttles
A monorail conveyor system uses self-propelled shuttles to transport materials. Each shuttle in the Montrac system from Montech AG (Derendingen, Switzerland) is electrically driven on the track. The system is specially designed with preset acceleration and deceleration ramps to ensure gradual acceleration, shock-free travel, and smooth braking. An optical sensor on each shuttle prevents collisions by detecting obstacles in its path. Shuttles are powered by a 24-V dc motor and reach a maximum speed of 30 m/min.
The shuttle platform sizes range from 200 ¥ 300 to 330 ¥ 550 mm. The track is made of anodized extruded aluminium and is grounded by 100 kW for safe discharge of static buildup.
The Montrac system features standard modular parts as well as interchangeable components. Its drive design meets criteria for cleanroom use in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
New spot-curing system features repeatability
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Avisible- and UV-light spot-curing system has been introduced for medical device, microelectronic, and optoelectronic applications. Part of the OmniCure platform from EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. (Vanier, QC, Canada), the OmniCure Series 2000 features closed-loop feedback technology to ensure repeatable results. Once the end-user has selected the required output levels, the settings are locked in and continuously monitored. A manual iris can be adjusted in 1% increments to provide precise light output. The firm has developed a 200-W lamp technology that combines high-intensity curing with a guaranteed life of 2000 hours. For curing acrylic adhesives, an optional lamp is available that achieves smooth, tack-free surface finishes. The system is suited for automated processes.
The OmniCure Series 2000 can be combined with the R2000 radiometer to set absolute irradiance levels and to calibrate the curing system. Multiple systems can be set from a single radiometer via a wireless or serial communication interface.
Two welding
machines are
designed for
plastics
assembly
 |
An ultrasonic thruster and a spin welder are available for plastics assembly. The Model 340 ultrasonic thruster from Dukane Corp. (St. Charles, IL, USA) has been redesigned using the same internal parts and precision slide assembly as the earlier model. Friction-free actuation and repeatable positioning are possible with the linear ball slide assembly. Stroke has been increased to 7 in., as compared with 4 in. for other thrusters. Standard dual-pressure operation provides flexibility and control over the clamping force during the weld cycle. A high-strength, aluminium alloy booster comes standard; titanium boosters are also offered. Melt velocity for increased weld strength can be controlled using a hydraulic damper. Top-of-stroke switch output is provided for automation applications. A remote pneumatic option is available.
The ServoWeld spin welder is designed to precisely assemble thermoplastic parts with a circular joint. A servomotor controls the radial orientation of the finished part with accuracy better than ±0.1°. The welder is controlled using a colour touch screen with an intuitive menu structure. A high-speed, low-torque machine for small assemblies up to 80-mm diam and a low-speed, high-torque model for larger assemblies are available.
Automated equipment incorporates safety component features
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A designer and builder of automated assembly equipment provides medical safety assembly machines to OEMs. Kahle Europea S.p.A. (Caravaggio, BG, Italy) offers equipment that can handle next-generation safety components that are being added to traditional medical devices. Springs, protective caps, locking devices, and self-destruct features are among the parts that can be assembled on the company’s machines.
The firm also provides high-speed automation equipment for assembling IV products, catheters, syringes, needles, tubing, and blood collection products. Standard and custom equipment are available. Kahle offers design, fabrication, and documented validation services, as well as equipment installation and maintenance at customer facilities.
Assembly platform modules are building blocks of custom systems
Versatility is one of the key features of an assembly system platform developed by a company with vast experience in the automated assembly of medical products. A range of modules can be added to the standardized Jetwing assembly system as production needs evolve to achieve a truly tailor-made solution. Sortimat Technology GmbH & Co. (Winnenden, Germany) will showcase its equipment at MEDTEC 2005 in February in Stuttgart, Germany, where it will be used to assemble a three-piece disposable syringe.
The machine employs several different drive technologies. It incorporates a linear motor with electronically powered cams that work in parallel with mechanically driven cams. Multiple freely programmable carriages can be mounted on a single guide section. This architecture results in a compact and cost-effective extra drive that offers precise
positioning on the order of <0.01 mm and short cycle times. The machine on view at MEDTEC will integrate this feature along with a step feeder.
The company also has introduced palletizing units, and it has developed technologies to dispense microscopic amounts of liquid and adhesive and to cut, heat-shrink, and heat-seal foil. Thermal moulding and laser marking capabilities are available, and a vision system can be integrated with the Jetwing to monitor the assembly process. As many as six Jetwing systems can be linked together and operated via a central control panel.
Systems have been designed to assemble
products such as inhalers, automatic injectors, and diagnostic devices.
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