Here, Nigel Smith, CEO of TM Robotics, explains why harnessing the power of robotics-led injection moulding could significantly enhance the production of medical devices.
How advanced automation is shaping the future of medical device production
Article from | TM Robotics
In the years since the COVID-19 pandemic catalysed the demand for medical devices, business analyst Mercer Capital reports that the growth trend continues due to several factors including emerging global markets, an ageing population and more. But how can medical device manufacturers meet this rising demand while also keeping up with stringent and evolving regulations about how these innovative products are made? Here, Nigel Smith, CEO of TM Robotics, explains why harnessing the power of robotics-led injection moulding could significantly enhance the production of medical devices.
Mercer Capital’s Five Trends to Watch in the Medical Device Industry report cites several factors behind the growing demand for medical devices. They include an increasingly large ageing population, emerging economies and governments’ efforts to curb rising medical costs.
However, companies developing novel medical devices face stringent regulations outlined in The National Academy of Medicine's paper on The Changing Economics of Medical Technology: "It is inevitable that important products such as medical devices will attract many levels of scrutiny because of the great social costs and benefits associated with health care.”
These regulations emphasise accountability, device traceability, post-market surveillance and performance studies; underscoring the need for adherence to quality system regulations like the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s current good manufacturing practices.
There is also mounting pressure to accelerate the production of medical devices. Whether manufacturing runs are large or small, there is an imperative for uninterrupted production to meet hourly production targets. There is also a growing emphasis on advancing manufacturing processes to accommodate new materials with enhanced properties.
To meet the demand for faster production while maintaining quality standards, automation and robotics are indispensable. After all, there are approximately two million types of medical devices available according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) — encompassing a wide array of products such as test tubes, beakers, and casings for medical equipment.
Industrial robots, particularly 6-axis robots, play a vital role in loading and unloading tasks for plastic injection moulding machines.
Injection moulding
Injection moulding, a prevalent manufacturing process expected to reach a value of $56.5 million by 2027, presents an efficient solution for producing medical devices. This method is already employed in manufacturing monitoring devices and infusion pumps and is poised to accommodate the production of devices using advanced materials like bioplastics.
This drive extends to utilising bioplastics, which offer a more environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional plastics derived from sources like corn, sugar cane, or sugar beets. Bioplastics are increasingly favoured for their potential to improve mould flow and increase impact strength in medical device manufacturing.
To ensure seamless operations, stringent standards are necessary to govern the efficient loading and unloading of moulds, as well as to facilitate smooth collaboration between human workers and automated systems. Automation and robotics emerge as indispensable tools in meeting these demands for efficiency and productivity.
6-axis robots
TM Robotics, a key distributor of Shibaura Machine (formerly Toshiba Machine), specialises in integrating robots with injection moulding devices, offering a range of 6-axis robots tailored for these applications.
Shibaura Machine's latest series of 6-axis robots boasts features such as low headroom and extended reach, enhancing productivity in industries including automotive, medical, packaging, and pharmaceuticals.
They include the latest TVM range of efficient and dependable robots tailored for various sectors such as automotive, medical, packaging, and pharmaceuticals. The flagship model, TVM1500, boasts an impressive reach of 1,715 millimeters. Following closely, the TVM1200 offers a reach of up to 1,418 millimeters, while the compact TVM900 provides a maximum reach of 1,124 millimeters.
Additionally, each model's operational scope can be extended by attaching the robot to an optional linear actuator, further enhancing its versatility.
These robots seamlessly integrate with Shibaura Machine's injection moulding machines, such as the SXIII range, which offers faster injection speeds and enhanced performance, thereby increasing throughput.
The user-friendly design of these robots facilitates easy installation and programming, reducing training costs and promoting collaboration between machines and operators on injection moulding lines.
Machines and operators
When paired with a high-speed 6-axis robot for loading and unloading tasks, manufacturers can expect a significant increase in production efficiency. These machines are engineered with enhanced versatility and performance, featuring a sleek design that enables quicker loading and unloading operations.
Furthermore, these robots are meticulously designed for easy plug-and-play installation, simplifying programming for operators and reducing training costs. This encourages seamless collaboration between machines and operators on injection moulding lines, effectively integrating industrial robots into existing manufacturing processes.
The importance of expanding automation cannot be overstated in ensuring the cost-effectiveness and superior quality of tomorrow's medical devices. Despite stringent regulations, industrial robots like those found in the TVM range provide manufacturers with innovative avenues to introduce new medical advancements to the market, thus propelling patient care towards a promising future.
The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of RoboticsTomorrow
TM Robotics (Americas) Inc
TM Robotics, in partnership with Shibaura Machine, formerly known as Toshiba Machine until 1st April 2020, offers a comprehensive range of industrial robots ideally suited for high-precision assembly, machine loading/unloading and material-handling applications that can be dust proof, clean room, or IP65/67. The company's extensive product line starts with a Cartesian solution available in thousands of combinations from single actuators to four-axis solutions; six-axis solutions that can include precise vision-control; and a complete range of SCARAs from low cost to the industry-leading SCARA with 1200-mm reach that can carry up to 20 kgs. TM Robotics sells and services robots throughout Europe, the Middle East, India, Russia, and Africa, as well as North, Central, and South America, from headquarters in Hertfordshire, England and Elk Grove Village, IL, USA. For more information, visit www.tmrobotics.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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