MEDICAL | TECHNOLOGY
increased use of servo-electric moulds. They are more precise in many applications and allow for completely oil-free production when combined with all-electric injection moulding machines.” Mould maker Schöttli, part of Husky, is observ- ing a number of key current market trends for plastics in medical applications. One trend is the digitalisation and miniaturisation of medical applica- tions – components are becoming smaller and more intricate, and often feature a digitised piece, which adds a layer of complexity to the moulding process. The company is also seeing an increase in home medication, for example insulin pens, and smart functions to monitor usage of medical devices. Quality assurance is driving a lot of technical developments, especially repeatable plastic part quality and invisible gate marks, says Schöttli. There is also a demand for lowering the total cost of ownership, with increased cavitation, smaller mould and press sizes, and faster cycles at in- creased quality expectations. The company adds that the increase in home medication requires trouble-free operation and simple-to-use ‘smart’ devices in order to mitigate risk to the end user. As well the standardisation of specific medical features, allowing the use of disposables with different brand devices. In order to meet the needs of the medical moulding industry, Schöttli has developed a cluster side-gating system feeding eight plastic parts via individual side-gates, as well as servo-driven unscrewing and mould functions. Cooling functions have also been improved to reduce plastic part stress and increase productivity and the company is
focusing on further developing solutions that promote ease-of-use. The applications that these innovations target include the pipette market, blood collection tubes and feminine healthcare. Future developments at Schöttli include shortening validation time further before production begins by improving injection moulding process simulations and quality-driven services. Medical moulders globally are seeking injection moulding machinery that offers the highest repeatability, precision, cleanliness, traceability and energy efficiency, and support customers with their product validation, says Nigel Flowers, Managing Director, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag UK. “Advanced batch tracking, contact-free inspection using cameras, and highly automated assembly are among the latest developments. From an injection moulding machinery perspective, systems need to be cleaner, cooler, faster and quieter, with more
PHOTO: SUMITOMO (SHI) DEMAG
Above: Cleanroom ready and energy efficient, the IntElect S being launched by Sumitomo (SHI) Demag at K2019 delivers process stability to medical moulders
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