Improved catheter manufacturing yields with automated adhesive dispensing
Project snapshot
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Challenge
Automate a critical, hard-to-control medical device process
A medical device manufacturer was facing low yields and high rework costs on a catheter product line. Applying sealant adhesive to multiple radio marker rings within tight tolerances was difficult to perform consistently and challenging to staff. The existing adhesive dispense method was not easily automatable and required a new manufacturing approach that could meet validation and verification requirements.
Innovation
Custom automated adhesive dispensing and curing process
AIR worked with the customer’s manufacturing engineering team to develop an automated solution for the catheter assembly process.
Our approach included:
- Investigating alternative adhesive dispense methods suitable for automation.
- Developing semi-automated test fixtures to evaluate process options.
- Designing a unique micro-spray adhesive pumping system.
- Creating a custom fixture to support the catheter while rotating under the spray head, preventing undue stress on the assembly.
- Integrating a UV curing step to complete the automated process.
Result
Higher yields and lower labor costs
The automated production system exceeded yield improvement and labor cost reduction targets.
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