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Technology News: Manufacturing Equipment

Operated by a cam drive and servomotor, the Spaceline system can assemble parts in two directions.

A flexible assembly system suitable for medical device manufacture can perform a range of tasks while conserving cleanroom space. Offered in several sizes, the Spaceline from sortimat Technology (Winnenden, Germany) comprises 13–54 directly driven, synchronized automatic stations. Designed for high-volume production, the system’s mobile, standard modules are designed to accommodate a variety of applications.

Powered by a twin drive, the system is reportedly the first linear-transfer assembly line to combine the flexibility of a servomotor with the speed, efficiency, and reliability of a cam drive. Additionally, “the Spaceline can assemble parts…without the need for [infeed] conveyor belts,” says sortimat spokeswoman Silke Fischer. Instead, the machine uses a precision index for cross-transferring pallets, saving space and providing additional space for workstations when compared with other assembly machines. “Assembly systems typically operate with a unidirectional pallet feed that transports pallets to the beginning of the line on a conveyor belt,” Fischer says. “This is quite ineffective; the belts and pallets used to move products take up a lot of space and can’t be used for assembly.”

Using its indexing controls, the Spaceline can operate individual machine segments at differing cycle times. Because the machine can drive multiple processes at different speeds and directions, it can perform preliminary and final device assembly in sequence. The system is compliant with 21 CFR Part 11. It is currently being used to assemble insulin pens at the rate of 520 parts per minute, insulin pen cannulae at 900 parts per minute, and IVD cartridges at 120 pieces per minute. Other applications include tube coiling, solvent dosing, and packaging.