Originally Published EMDM May/June 2005
Equipment News
Recent developments in automation equipment
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Machines automate microdispensing, microsoldering, and assembly
Adapted microdispensers and robots comprise a range of automated medical dispensing equipment by mta automation ag (Gals, Switzerland).
Microdispensers, such as volumetric dispensing units for one or two components, feature high repeatability. Two-component microdispensers have a patented dynamic mixer that ensures optimal blending of materials. The mixing-ratio parameters are programmable.
The company has developed tabletop robots for semiautomatic operations, and robot cells for both semi- and fully automatic operations. The robot cells are available as stand-alone versions, with rotary tables, or for use on production lines with conveyors.
The dispensers don’t use seals: dispensing is achieved by a ceramic piston-and-cylinder system. When units are combined with pneumatic and motorized components, also offered by the firm, the process can be fully customized.
Fabricating system provides flexible narrow-web converting for dressings
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Speed and flexibility are among the key features of a dressing-fabricating system. The DMS machine from Doyen Medipharm Ltd. (Cambridge, UK) fabricates 400 surgical dressings per minute in pad, strip, and island dressing formats using hydrogels, polyurethane, and combination alginates. The dressings are produced and packed in a continuous-motion, single-lane process configuration.
The DMS can also fabricate transdermal devices or electrodes in strip, island, or multilayered formats. Dressing size ranges from 100 ¥ 100 to 300 ¥ 300 mm; product changeovers can be done in 30 minutes.
Fully validatable, the system is equipped with electronic web tensioning and guiding, inspection systems, reject stations, and remote I/O server control. Integral dust-extraction and self-cleaning devices on vacuum transfer are also provided.
The DMS can automatically collate into a cartoner or be fully integrated with a packaging machine.
Automated assembly machines facilitate cutting, bonding, coiling, and banding
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A manufacturer specializes in equipment that facilitates cutting tubing to length, solvent bonding of components, coiling and banding of finished products, and leak testing. Tecnoideal s.r.l. (Mirandola, MO, Italy) has developed automated systems for the assembly of blood catchers, coiled tubing, drip chambers with filters, spikes, air vents, caps, and injection point connectors. Tubing with clamps, connectors, pump segments, and heparine lines are also available.
Average productivity is 1200 pieces per hour for complete tubing sets and up to 5000 pieces per hour for simple subassemblies.
The company also produces complete lines for the assembly and testing of gas valves, motors, and pumps. Most of the automated machines offered are controlled by a PLC with dedicated software. Industrial PC controls and custom electronics can be supplied to meet specific requirements.
Maintenance-free machine cuts and tips polymer sutures
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A new suture-cutting and -tipping machine can be used for most polymer sutures, including absorbable polyglycol acid, polyester, and polyethylene products. In order to avoid blooming, the machine seals the suture ends. Manufactured by Sonderegger Engineering AG (Schaffhausen, Switzerland), the machine is designed to avoid flattening the suture so that the end keeps its circular shape. Neither additives nor glue are needed, making the device maintenance-free.
Additional features included in the standard design include oblique cutting; knot detection; removal of insecure, stiffened suture tips; and active control of suture diameter at the stiffening area. The stainless-steel case surrounding the cutter prevents dust and airflow from entering the sealing and cutting unit. The process ensures that tight tolerances are met, maintaining suture cleanliness.
The device also cuts supple monofilaments. The equipment’s operating speed is higher with monofilaments than with braided sutures.
Recharging unit and tray-handling system added to company’s line of automation equipment
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A recharging unit designed specifically for packaging systems was recently unveiled. Up to 400 cannulae and other cylindrical components can be fed per minute in a suspended state, including the orientation and separation phases.
Offered by sortimat Technology GmbH & Co. (Winnenden, Germany), the Cyclomat is replenished via an elevator and feeds parts to the packaging machine via multiple tracks. Components are placed in blister packs via a pneumatically actuated sliding guide. The equipment can be configured for multiple product designs or packaging systems, as well as a variety of blister-pack sizes. Quick-release mechanisms enable rapid, tool-free product changeover.
The company also offers a new tray-handling system that can be rapidly integrated with assembly systems via standard interfaces. Suitable for cleanrooms, the system loads and unloads trays automatically without disrupting production cycles. Trays can be replaced manually during the pick-and-place motion, without the need for retooling or set-up.
Rotary-based machines automate adhesive bandage production
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Responding to evolving industry requirements, a manufacturer now offers three machines for the production of adhesive bandages and dressings in a spectrum of sizes. The Rotoplaster AC from Duotex S.r.l. (Milan, Italy) produces small-sized adhesive first-aid bandages. Medium-sized adhesive bandages and eye pads are manufactured by the Rotoplaster Maxi AC. The Rotoplaster Surgical AC is suitable for producing large adhesive dressings and eye pads.
The rotary-motion machines facilitate high production speeds without sacrificing precision and can work with any type of adhesive substrate.
Rotoplaster AC machine modules are independently driven by brushless motors, and are programmed and synchronized by a PC with specially designed software. Rotoplaster Surgical AC machines apply release papers perpendicular to the length of dressings, allowing easy removal of liners by surgeons.
Manufacturer develops production machines that create nontraumatic catheter eyes
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A catheter production machine manufacturer recently developed equipment for punching holes and eyes with soft, rounded edges. The first automated machines for making nontraumatic eyes are offered by Soebygaard Machine Design ApS (Nästved, Denmark). The machines can also perform one or more additional production steps, including cutting, tip forming, and packaging, according to customer needs.
The company also offers automation equipment that produces a broad range of catheters, including suction, nelaton, feeding, and ryle tubes, at speeds of up to 6000 per hour. The machines are built for cleanroom use, and can be configured for various combinations of steps in the production process. Capabilities include extrusion, cutting, and gluing of funnels as well as trimming, punching, and packaging.
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