Keywords
Citation
(2003), "New automation system keeps manufacturing in the UK at Medic-aid", Assembly Automation, Vol. 23 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2003.03323baf.004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited
New automation system keeps manufacturing in the UK at Medic-aid
New automation system keeps manufacturing in the UK at Medic-aid
Keywords: Automation, Medical
Modular Automation of Birmingham has developed a new plastic insert loading system for Medic-aid. The new system is faster and more reliable than the previous method and has improved efficiency sufficiently to allow the company to keep production in the UK (Plate 3).
The system loads plastic inserts into a Negri Bossi 80 tonne press to form part of a moulding for an asthma inhaler. The inserts aid the smooth delivery of the drug through the appliance.
Plate 3
This new assembly system from Modular Automation has improved efficiency
sufficiently to enable medical device manufacturer Medic-aid to keep production
in the UK
According to Ed Waters, Head of Engineering for Medic-aid, the system has made a tremendous difference to efficiency. “We work in a very competitive environment and seriously considered transferring the entire assembly to China to reduce costs”, he explained. “However, this new automated system, together with some significant tooling changes, has allowed us to improve efficiency by up to 40 per cent and keep production in the UK.”
The system first bowl feeds the inserts then collects them by vacuum, eight at a time, using the latest design of Pressflow SNC robot. The robot loads the inserts into the machine’s moulding head immediately before injection. Sensors check that the correct inserts are in place before the mould shuts. Completed parts are unloaded automatically.
Previously the operation was a semi-automatic system. This was much slower and was less reliable as it was not possible to check that all the inserts were in place before the mould was shut. In turn this meant that faults had to be picked up during subsequent operations further down the production line.
For more information contact: William Bourn, Modular Automation, Talbot Way, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham, B10 0HS, UK. Tel: 0121 766 7979; Fax: 0121 766 6385; E-mail: bourn@modular.co.uk