MEDICAL EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY FOCUS
ALL-ELECTRIC provides the solution
Medical device manufacturer Armstrong Medical is using all-electric injection moulding technology from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag to drive up quality whilst increasing factory output
rmstrong Medical is a global supplier of respiratory disposables for anaesthesia and critical care. Based in Northern Ireland, the company’s research and development, manufacturing, customer service and distribution processes are all consolidated into a streamlined operation that allows Armstrong to respond quickly to new clinical trends and changing customer requirements. The company’s manufacturing and assembly resources include a state of the art automated and robotic injection moulding plant, where a new Sumitomo (SHI) Demag IntElect 160 machine has recently been installed to meet increased demand for the company’s products. However, the future hasn’t always looked
A
bright for Armstrong Medical. In May 2007, a disastrous fire devastated the plant, but within a year the company had resumed full production with a range of new injection moulding equipment from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag. Production and project manager Nigel
Simpson explained, “It was a challenging time. We installed and commissioned four new machines within a very tight timeframe, and that co-operation with Sumitomo (SHI) Demag set the standard of support we’ve enjoyed ever since.”
A CLOSER LOOK So, what persuaded Simpson to choose IntElect all-electric technology for Armstrong’s latest acquisition? “We examined all the options available, and decided that the all-electric drive would allow us to achieve the quality and precision essential to our business. In addition, it offers significant advantages in energy consumption, and the operatives appreciate the cooler, quieter shop floor environment.” The IntElect range of machines is the
result of a marriage of Japanese and European technology. The all-electric drives are produced in-house by Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and, combined with the company’s mechanical engineering,
provides the precise control needed for the quality of moulding that Armstrong Medical requires.
This has paid dividends, as Simpson
continued, “With critical care products, quality is essential. Our commitment to product quality exceeds internationally recognised standards and extends throughout the production and QA team.
Above: the NC5 user interface on the all-electric IntElect
Armstrong Medical sharing a commitment to drive up productivity and quality, the traditional supplier/user relationship has blossomed into a partnership which has benefited both parties. This spirit of co-operative development has allowed the moulding process to be monitored on a 24/7 basis, with SMS messages and status reports sent directly to Simpson’s mobile phone. The five moulding machines are networked, and their controls can be remotely accessed from anywhere in the world, so that any issues can be addressed quickly and effectively. Simpson believes that the quality of technical support is an essential part of efficient manufacturing, “We’ve always enjoyed the highest levels of service from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, and we value their willingness to go the extra mile.” Dave Raine, technical sales manager at
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is equally enthusiastic about what has been achieved at the Coleraine, Northern Ireland plant. “We always enjoy working with a company with a no-compromise attention to the quality and consistency of its products. Armstrong Medical has always been receptive to new ideas and technology
We are always mindful that the products we manufacture are used to save lives in critical care applications all over the world. We operate a system of regular and rolling inspection, and because of the consistency we achieve with the IntElect, we’ve been able to extend scheduled inspection to two-hourly intervals.” With both Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and
/AUTOMATION
Above: injection moulded components used for disposable breathing circuits coming straight off the line at Armstrong Medical
which help improve manufacturing efficiency, and this attitude has enabled our people to work together effectively to create a production environment that’s second to none.”
Sumitomo (SHI) DEMAG
uk.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu T: 01296 739 500
Enter 224 AUTOMATION | MARCH 2014 39
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