ANALYTICAL AND LAB EQUIPMENT
Diagnostic application with Nordson EFD Jetting system PICO Pulse XP
its fast-dispensing speed and high precision.
Fluid dispensing explained
T is article explores a range of dispensing techniques that can lead to better process control in the biosciences
D
uring the assembly of medical devices, point-of- care diagnostics, near-patient testing products and other
life sciences applications, it is essential that dispensing of UV-cure adhesives, cyanoacrylates, silicones, and other fl uids are accurately and consistently deposited.
ACCURACY AND REPEATABILITY Shot-to-shot repeatability and accuracy are critical factors in fl uid dispensing, and with particular importance in the manufacture of life sciences products and devices. Automated robotic dispensing has
evolved to support the needs for higher throughput in the assembly of medical devices, point-of-care diagnostics, and near-patient testing products by developing specialised dispensing technologies for automated in-line and near-line assembly. These technologies provide operators
with the ability to set the time, pressure, and other dispensing parameters for an application that improves process control and ensures the right amount of fl uid is placed on each part.
ROBOTIC DISPENSING An important feature of precision
robotic dispensing is Automated Optical Inspection (AOI). When coupled with CCD cameras and confocal lasers, vision-guided automation platforms provide optical assurance of fl uid deposit volume and placement accuracy ensuring a conforming deposit.
NON-CONTACT JET DISPENSING There are two basic types of fl uid in-line micro-dispensing techniques: classic needle-based contact dispensing and non-contact jet dispensing. While the best method is ultimately determined by the material and application at hand, for many automated fl uid dispensing processes, high-speed jetting technology is a popular alternative to traditional, needle-based contact dispensing.
BETTER FLUID DISPENSING Point-of-care diagnostics and near- patient testing products both help doctors make critical decisions, and help patients monitor their health. These devices include HIV tests, blood tests, and pregnancy tests. One system that performs exceptionally well for this application is the proprietary PICO Pulse XP jetting system, due to
VISION GUIDED DISPENSING Vision has been used in fl uid dispensing applications for more than two decades, and is becoming more prominent as robots, and their control software, get smarter. It permits robotic fl uid dispensing systems to deliver faster production cycles, and removes the guesswork from the dispensing process. The latest evolution of fl uid dispensing robot systems – exemplifi ed in Nordson EFD’s GV, RV, EV, PRO and PROPlus Series models for 3-axes and 4-axes applications – with their advanced software and vision-guided capability, bring repeatability and precision to automated dispensing systems.
BENCHTOP FLUID DISPENSING Medical devices sometimes warrant a more personalised and manual fl uid dispensing approach in their assembly, compared to employing a more automated, robotic system. Often, the geometry of the parts is too complex to make robotic automation a viable option, or the production volume is too low to warrant the investment. Benchtop fl uid dispensing has proven
to be a highly workable and reliable method for assembly of medical devices, and the UltimusPlus line of pneumatic benchtop dispensers from Nordson EFD, was designed to meet stringent fl uid dispensing needs of today’s highly precise medical device manufacturing. ■
Operator-based fl uid dispensing onto a Kythoplasty catheter
For more information visit
www.nordsonefd.com
www.scientistlive.com 21
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