EQUIPMENT NEWS
Vision-guided robotic systems designed to offer flexibility
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A fully automatic vision-guided robotic system is available from specialized engineering company RNA Automation (Birmingham, UK; www.rna-uk.com). The newly developed MiniFlex for flexible feeding is equipped with continuous feeding from a conveyor that tracks components, enabling short cycle times. It is designed with flexibility in mind for handling multiple components through the use of vision-guided robotics. The recently developed ‘PickVision’ vision system enables the system to handle different types of components. Parts with various geometries can be fed in any random orientation to the MiniFlex and can be picked and placed without any mechanical changes to the machine, which results in quick changeover times. Designed to replace manual feeding and other types of feeding equipment, the system is built on a single base plate.
The MiniFlex offers short lead times and short payback periods. It is easy to install and has a short commissioning time. Switching between products and batch runs is software controlled and very fast, with no mechanical adjustments. The MiniFlex is available in the following variants: the standard machine equipped with robot ABB IRB-140; the ‘Turbo’ version equipped with robot ABB IRB-140T, capable of a shorter cycle time, and the MiniFlex with a twin infeed system, making it possible to pick two different parts with one robot. The MiniFlex can also be equipped with other robots from the ABB product range. RNA Automation boasts seven manufacturing facilities across Europe and North America, and a network of sales and service outlets across the globe.
Jet dispensing systems can deposit small and precise amounts of fluid
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Jet dispensing systems that do not contact the substrate enable manufacturers to deposit controlled amounts of fluid on hard-to-access areas, uneven surfaces, or in applications where a conventional dispensing needle cannot be used—at speeds up to 150 dots per second. The PicoDot jet dispensing systems bring significant new capabilities to EFD’s (Dunstable, Bedfordshire, UK; www.efd-inc.com) extensive line of precision fluid-dispensing systems. Multiple PicoDot system configurations make it possible to dispense a variety of low (50–100 mPa), medium (50–200,000 mPa), and high (1000– 500,000 mPa) viscosity fluids in a wide range of manufacturing applications. Capabilities of the PicoDot jet dispensing system include noncontact jetting, noncontact dispensing of lines, covering areas by jet dispensing of droplet arrays with shot sizes starting at 0.002 µl to flow rates up to 300 g/min. An integrated heater is available for precise viscosity control. The manufacturer of precision dispensing systems also offers disposable components such as needles, syringe reservoirs, and pistons.
Robot suitable for VHP environments
Designed to protect both personnel and products, a robot has been designed to withstand corrosive hydrogen peroxide used during regular sterilization processes by employing complex surface coatings and full encapsulation. According to the developer of the Stericlean robot, Stäubli Tec-Systems GmbH (Bayreuth, Germany; www.staubli.com), the robot can be used in barrier isolator systems used in aseptic processes for a variety of pharmaceutical, life science, and medical device applications.
The TX60 Stericlean robot incorporates special surface treatments, critical parts in stainless steel, and specialized lip seals, making it a fully VHP (vaporized hydrogen peroxide)–resistant robot capable of withstanding the harsh sterilization process. Stericlean robots can be adapted for a wide range of production needs, from dangerous pharmaceutical compounding to vaccines and cell culturing. The TX Stericlean has a reach of 670 mm with a repeatability of ±0.02 mm. The nominal payload of the robot is 3.5 kg, and 9 kg maximum. Stäubli offers a comprehensive range of robots from small four-axis to heavy-duty robots operating with payloads of over 250 kg. Aside from its robotics division, the mechatronics solution provider also offers quick-connector systems and textile machinery.
Assembly lines manufactured to custom requirements
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A supplier of automatic assembly systems for the medical and pharmaceutical markets can provide customized systems according to specific assembly requirements, for the processing of tubing, components, filters, and many other medical devices. The automated assembly machines for the medical and pharmaceutical sectors from A Uno Tec S.r.l. (Mirandola, MO, Italy; www.aunotec.it) are designed primarily to be used in cleanrooms. The automatic assembly lines feature rotary tables, linear transfer, pallets, and robots. Basic operations include tube cutting; coiling and banding with cohesive tape; mechanical assembly and solvent bonding of parts; and testing the assembled product.
Microassembly system can carry out numerous functions
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Speed and flexibility are the main requirements of a modern, efficient assembly system. The microassembly system from Deprag Schulz GmbH & Co. (Amberg, Germany; www.deprag.com) can carry out numerous functions, such as screw driving, labelling, palletizing, clipping, laser inscribing, welding, and gluing of the smallest components. According to the firm, the DCAM-XS microassembly system is very small, fast, precise, and flexible. The new model was developed from the DCAM family and can assemble even the smallest parts. It can be adjusted in a few minutes for various assembly steps.
The standard platform is suitable for assembly and test tasks such as the production of microsystems in the pharmaceutical industry, for intricate assemblies for medical technology, and for dealing with the smallest connection elements.
Automated adhesive and assembly machines can be used to produce syringes
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To comply with current global demand for glass syringes, adhesive and assembly machines for glass syringes are available to customers worldwide from a company specializing in the design and manufacture of special-purpose machines, assembly machines, and highly automated feed systems. R + E Automationstechnik GmbH (Fellbach, Germany; www.re-automation.de) manufactures assembly machines for the medical device market, including products such as disposable plastic syringes and glass syringes.
The adhesive and assembly machines automatically feed and position glass barrels and inserts, and then glue the cannulae. This process is followed by the UV-curing of the adhesive. Optional stations such as pull test, camera inspection of the needle tips, siliconization of the cannulae, and flow tests, to name a few, ensure that the product is being assembled correctly. The assembled and tested parts are automatically placed in trays. According to the company, the adhesive and assembly machines for glass syringes meet the highest quality standards and have been in use by customers around the world. The company has a 2700-m² production hall for its special-purpose machines and feed technology products. The firm has more than 20 years of experience producing feed and assembly technologies.
Vision inspection systems provide advanced product quality evaluation
As part of its standard automation process, a manufacturer of assembly machines for medical devices incorporates sophisticated product quality inspection into every machine. For that, Kahle Automation (Caravaggio, BG, Italy; www.kahleautomation.com) uses in-line vision inspection to evaluate the quality of components to a tolerance of less than 1 µm at assembly speeds in excess of 600 parts per minute. Kahle also incorporates product sampling and testing of components to verify not only the proper assembly but also functionality of the product, to guarantee 100% inspection and validation of the product and the assembly process. The company can build a full line of equipment for the manufacture of all types of medical devices and IV components.
All of Kahle’s medical device assembly machines can be operated on a stand-alone basis or can be integrated into a complete manufacturing line. The machines are built on various platforms depending on the product design and processes required. According to production requirements, the systems are tooled for speeds of 30–500 parts per minute. Kahle has built machines for the production of scalpel blades, blood collection products, filters, swabs, dental products, drip chambers, injection sites, and roller clamps. The custom machine supplier also provides a line of standard equipment built to each individual client’s requirements.
