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Originally Published EMDM May/June 2007 PRODUCT UPDATE
Focus on automation systems
Fanuc Robotics
Lighter and more compact than its predecessor, an intelligent miniature robot also features improved wrist load capacity, repeatability, work envelope, and speed, according to its manufacturer. The LR Mate 200iC from Fanuc Robotics Deutschland GmbH (Neuhausen a.d.F., Germany) supports such intelligent functions as an internal programmable controller, Ethernet, force sensing, and the firm’s built-in vision system. Requiring only a camera and cable, the iRVision system has a 2-D robot guidance tool that enables the robot to “see.” The tool aids the robot in locating parts, error proofing, and other tasks that typically call for special sensors or custom fixtures. While performing assembly operations, for example, the robot also uses “touch” to adjust part placement accordingly.
Suited for flexible small-part production, the robot can be used for high-speed part handling, machine tending, assembly, and material removal. Equipped with a slim arm for operation within narrow spaces and an optional IP67 rating that allows it to withstand harsh environments, the robot also exhibits rigidity for smooth motion. The six-axis tool can adapt to small lot sizes, new styles, and modifications as well. Manufacturers can mount the robot on the floor or tabletop, inside machines, at an angle, and inverted, which maximizes flexibility for small and narrow workspaces.
Teamtechnik Maschinen und Anlagen GmbH
Available from a builder of flexible modular automation systems for medical device assembly and testing is an off-line test module designed for testing all kinds of dosing pens, including those for delivering insulin, analgesics, and hormones. Available from teamtechnik Maschinen und Anlagen GmbH, (Freiberg a.N., Germany), the compact, flexible test system measures torque, dosing precision, and load. The updatable modularity, ability to adapt to various levels of automation, and test-technology integration capability of the systems offered by the manufacturer ensure that they can be used for a long time and remain economical. Working with its customers, the company provides a full range of services, including research into new processing technologies, system development, design, plant construction, development of control technology, start-up, and production supervision. It places its emphasis on innovative production concepts rather than mere high-performance automation.
Asymtek
A company specializes in dispensing technologies that are suited for microfluidic device applications. Applications of products from Asymtek (Carlsbad, CA, USA) include medical electronics and medical device assembly. For instance, the dispensing equipment can be used for underfilling flip chips on subassemblies inside small implantable medical devices such as hearing aids and implantable cardiac devices. Other medical applications include coating electronic assemblies and depositing small amounts of conductive adhesives onto printed circuit boards. In addition, the equipment can be used to jet or dispense fluids that create microfluidic gates and valves into tight areas without the equipment touching the substrate.
Denso International Europe
Configured for payloads to 20 kg, high-speed four-, five-, and six-axis robots have reaches ranging from 350 to 1300 mm. Repeatable to within ±0.015 mm, the robots from Denso International Europe (Weesp, Netherlands) also feature a compact design and concealed electrical wiring and air lines that reduce interference with surrounding equipment. A maximum moment of inertia allows a broad choice of end effectors, according the firm. Controllers and teaching pendants are also offered, as is the company’s Wincaps II 3-D simulation software, which allows off-line programming as well as remote monitoring of robot operations. The ANSI- and CE-compliant robots are available in standard as well as Class 10 and Class 100 cleanroom models. Applications include assembly, dispensing, inspection, machining, pick and place, and material handling.
Kahle Automation S.r.l.
Equipment for punching eyelets in catheter tubing uses an ultrasonic process that forms a smooth radius on the eyelet edges, in contrast with mechanical punching, which leaves eyelets with sharp edges. The ultrasonic punching process from Kahle Automation S.r.l., Caravaggio (BG), Italy, is applicable to both drainage and suction catheters. It provides as well for accurate ellipses that are able to eliminate turbulence in flow through the eyelets. The equipment incorporates 100% in-line inspection capability. It can be supplied as a stand-alone machine or as part of a full automation system that assembles a complete product.
Adept Technology Inc.
A parallel robot is designed for high-speed packaging and material-handling operations. Heralding the Quattro s650 as the fastest light-payload packaging robot in the industry, Adept Technology Inc. (Livermore, CA, USA) also maintains that the robot is the only one now available with a four-arm design for obtaining high speeds and acceleration. The four-axis vision-guided robot has a 2-kg rated payload, a 1300-mm work envelope, and embedded SmartServo controls. Additional specifications include a maximum speed of 10 m/sec, a position repeatability of ±0.1 mm and an angular of ±0.4°, an ambient temperature range of 1° to 40°C, and an inverted mounting position.
ATS Automation Tooling Systems Munich
Turnkey assembly test and inspection systems can be designed and built for medical device companies by a specialist organization operating four plants with employees and equipment dedicated to producing custom industrial automation systems. The customized solutions created integrate the latest and most flexible automation technologies, including a pallet transport system, Cartesian robot, subsecond-cycle assembly dial, cleanroom conveyor, and computer-based production data management system developed by the service provider. ATS Automation Tooling Systems Munich (Heimstetten, Germany) has expertise and experience in lean manufacturing processes, robot cells, semiautomated and fully automated lines, ergonomics, product design for assembly, organization of product flow, and quality management systems, and provides consulting services. It can assume global responsibility for customer projects. The firm also offers remote support via modem using online diagnostics to provide fast problem analysis and response.
Komax Systems LCF S.A.
A builder of automatic assembly systems for medical and pharmaceutical device manufacturers uses a machine process qualification procedure designed to anticipate its customers’ needs. All project teams are trained in the specific requirements of medical projects in order to ensure both traceability and success. Komax Systems LCF S.A. (La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) has a quality system conforming to US 21 CFR 820 (good manufacturing practices), know-how and experience in system qualifications, expertise and experience in engineering aseptic designs and cleanroom-compatible tools, facility with such methods as design of experiments and failure mode and effects analysis, and the ability to design systems that meet US 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. Conformity with CE directives is part of the company’s internal focus and guaranteed for all systems it produces. The systems additionally conform to all regulations concerning contact materials and cleaning accessibility. The use of compressed air and incorporation of systems requiring lubrication are held to a strict minimum.
Copyright ©2007 European Medical Device Manufacturer
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