FEATURE Medical
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Robots support medical device innovations
Nigel Smith, CEO of industrial robot specialist TM Robotics, explains how advanced automation and robotics can help manufacturers create new medical innovations
A
ccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are some two million diff erent kinds of medical devices on
the market, including test tubes, beakers, casings and housings for laboratory and medical equipment, drug delivery components and surgical equipment. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in demand for medical devices, and business analyst Mercer Capital predicts this growth will continue, driven by an increasingly large ageing population, emerging economies and governments’ eff orts to curb rising medical costs. Due to the nature of the sector, companies that develop fi rst-to-market devices can benefi t from patents, intellectual property protection and competitive advantages. However, these new devices are subject to strict regulations and scrutiny, and are closely linked to accountability, device traceability, post- market surveillance, clinical evaluations and performance studies.
Injection molding To adhere to these regulations, medical device manufacturers must seek new ways to effi ciently make new products. One method of effi cient, quality-conscious production is injection molding, one of industry’s most common manufacturing processes that is set to be worth $56.5m by 2027. Injection molding machines already produce monitoring devices, infusion pumps and other vital medical equipment. But there is also a drive to manufacture these devices with new and more advanced materials, and with better mold fl ow and higher impact strength. That includes bioplastics – an environmentally- friendly alternative to plastics – made from corn, sugar cane or sugar beets, which are increasingly used to manufacture medical devices. Moreover, there is increasing pressure
to produce medical devices at faster pace. Production must run uninterrupted and make a certain number of products per
38 April 2023 | Automation
pharmaceutical, automotive and packaging sectors. The largest in the series is the TVM1500, which provides a maximum reach of 1,715mm. The TVM1200 can reach up to 1,418mm and the smallest model, the TVM900, provides a maximum reach of up to 1,124mm. In addition to three distinctive arm lengths, the operating range of each model can be expanded by mounting the robot onto an optional linear actuator.
Shibaura Machine’s TVM robots
hour. There must be standards in place to guarantee the predictable and effi cient loading and unloading of molds, along with smooth working between humans and machines. To achieve this, automation and robotics are crucial.
New ways Industrial robots already play a crucial role in loading and unloading applications for plastic injection molding machines. Six-axis robots in particular – aside from being one of the most widely- used industrial machines, in general – have become known as the trusted workhorse of injection molding loading and unloading.
TM Robotics, the premier partner of Shibaura Machine – formerly Toshiba Machine – is a robot distributor that specialises in integrating robots with injection molding devices. The business has recently expanded its range to off er an even more comprehensive choice of six-axis robots to suit these applications. Shibaura Machine’s series of vertically- articulated, six-axis robots are available in three models, all off ering low headroom, wider reach, bigger payloads and longer arm lengths, compared with previous robot ranges. That includes the newest TVM series of highly-productive, reliable robots aimed at the medical,
Better integration Crucially, these robots integrate easily with Shibaura Machine’s injection molding machines. Among the newest equipment is the SXIII range of injection molding machines, an all-electric range with enhanced performance, providing signifi cantly faster injection speeds than traditional molding equipment. When paired with a fast cycle 6-axis robot for loading and unloading, manufacturers can expect increased throughput. These machines are designed for enhanced versatility and performance, with a streamlined design. The robots are also designed for plug- and-play installation, in order to be easier to program by operators whilst also easing training costs. The end result is better collaborations between machines and operators, and industrial robots that fi t in more easily with manufacturers’ established processes.
Expanded automation will be crucial for ensuring that injection molding is essential for manufacturing tomorrow’s medical devices cost eff ectively and to the highest quality. Even with rigorous regulations, industrial robots like the TVM range can help manufacturers fi nd better ways to bring medical innovations to market, supporting a bright future for patient care.
CONTACT:
TM Robotics
www.tmrobotics.com
automationmagazine.co.uk
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