INDUSTRY FOCUS Metal Productsy


cost of the drugs, it is essential to avoid that happening under any circumstances.” Tolerances as tight as ±0.5mm demand high levels of precision, and each individual step must be documented in detail – especially if any deviations from the target process occur.


Efficient calibration


Calibrating sensors is another important requirement that applies to medtech and pharmaceutical environments in particular. Regular verification of measuring equipment is the only way to guarantee that measured forces truly reflect reality so that pharmaceutical products are manufactured flawlessly.


“When I was planning some essential


recalibration work, I initially contacted the special-purpose machine manufacturer, who in turn referred me to Kistler. That’s how I came into contact with their measurement technology experts for the first time,” said Balasso. “I’m extremely satisfied with our working relationship. I was quickly provided with assistance; the service technician was already familiar with the machine so he could perform the recalibration procedure efficiently.” Kistler’s in-depth of knowledge of the


Kistler press force sensor monitors drug insertion and more


industry is a key factor here. In recent years, the company has intensively collaborated with businesses operating in the medtech and pharmaceutical industries to gain a precise understanding of their needs and requirements. The new ML version of the maXYmos TL process monitoring system is one result of these activities; it off ers an FDA-compliant user management system and makes process validation even simpler than before thanks to predefined routines.


“The whole venture – from providing the machines and implementing the processes to completing the first customer project at Ivers-Lee – took about six to eight months,” said Balasso. “Thanks to the time that both we and Ypsomed invested, we now have an ideal platform that can efficiently meet varying customer requirements for product development. The trend is towards extremely high-quality, high- end products that are often elaborately packaged to give the patient a sense of confidence.”


Gains made through these cases will apply to future app-controlled “smart” systems for patients to administer their medication. Medical systems will do much more than ensure correct device operation – they will allow patients to use the stored data as the basis for clear, responsible answers to doctors and health insurers, and help them continuously improve their self-medication and adapt it to new circumstances.


CONTACT:


Kistler Group www.kistler.com


Metal plays a signifi cant role in 3D-printing/additive manufacturing in the UK, says survey


G


TMA, the trade association for the toolmaking, additive manufacturing, prototyping,


precision machinery and metrology members, has identified over 500 UK companies working with 3D-printing (3DP)/additive-manufacturing (AM). “Our survey found that, unlike more traditional forms of manufacturing, this technology is not clustered geographically; being so flexible, it can be done in any location by small teams and individuals without necessity for supporting infrastructure. There are significant numbers of 3DP/AM companies in areas around universities at the forefront of the development and promotion of this technology,” said Dr Alan Arthur, GTMA Chief Technology Officer.


Other survey findings include significant adoption of metal powder as a building material. Previously, commercial adoption was based around resins, plastics and other synthetic polymers, including


34 September 2020 | Automation


binders for building sand casting cores. The growth of metal powder manufacture reflects improvements in the processing technology, availability of a wide range of metal alloys and commercial demand. The survey states that over one third of material suppliers to 3DP/AM companies are offering metal powder, and over half the survey participants are producing metal components and tooling.


Global demand Alongside growth in metal 3DP/AM, there is an increased requirement for CNC machining, for finishing and support removal, bringing the two industries closer, delivering maximum value to end customers.


“As the 3DP/AM technology becomes


more widely adopted and better integrated with other manufacturing technologies, we will see further growth in metals manufacture and other high-strength, high-value materials,” said Dr Arthur.


“As the 3DP/AM technology becomes better integrated with other manufacturing technologies, we will see fur- ther growth in metals manufacture” – Dr Arthur


“Globally, the industry has overcome the hype of the last decade to emerge as a viable manufacturing technology in its own right.”


CONTACT:


GTMA www.gtma.co.uk


automationmagazine.co.uk


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