Simplifying medical manufacturing

For more than 14 years, Tessy Automation and Epson have partnered to solve contract manufacturers’ challenges in manufacturing complex components. Established in 1983, Tessy Automation has a history of designing, manufacturing, and integrating custom automation solutions. Mirroring Tessy Automation’s years of expertise, Epson shares a similar philosophy of providing reliable, cutting-edge technology to support a wide range of automation possibilities.

“As an AutomateElite Platinum Partner of Epson, we work together closely to identify the best automation solutions for customer applications,” says Brent Martz, sales and marketing manager, Tessy Automation.

When Tessy Automation was tasked with improving a critical care medical device while concurrently streamlining the manufacturing process, Epson was top of mind as the robotics partner.

“The customer leaned on Tessy Automation to be experts in the design and construction of the line. This included identifying and using the best commercially available systems for the application; the Epson SCARA robots were chosen,” Martz states.

Streamlining medical manufacturing

The customer contacted Tessy Automation to improve the manufacturing process for its medical device that measures blood flow rate.

Tessy Automation developed a fully automated system to replace two existing semi-automatic systems, saving floor space, increasing production efficiency, and ensuring flawless quality. Measuring 31ft long, the production line starts with vibratory bowl feeders precisely positioning the parts and is completed with pick-and-place applications from Epson robots, including two T3 All-in-One SCARA robots, four LS6-B SCARA robots, and one LS3-B SCARA robot. In addition, Tessy Automation integrated a sonic coning station to the system including two C4 Compact 6-axis robots for increased flexibility in a small space.

The production line is adjusted and monitored using HMI panels that track progression of the components. First, the movable components undergo siliconization, then an ultrasonic swage process, until reaching final testing and finishing. Epson’s robots then unload the components, repositioning and transferring parts between a Precision Link conveyor system and four indexing dials.

Simplicity, versatility, value

Tessy Automation prioritized simplicity, reliability, and ease of use when selecting an industrial robot partner for the pick-and-place application. The compact Epson LS6-B robots feature a 6kg payload, plus high acceleration/deceleration rates and high-speed cycle time. Epson T3 SCARA robots include a built-in controller in the base of the arm for simple installation and setup while taking up less space compared to robots with a separate controller.

“The T3 SCARA offers simplicity and versatility when handling the small components usually associated with the life sciences industry. It’s equipped with its own controller,” Martz concludes.

The fully automated production line simultaneously produces two assemblies, achieving one assembly per second for an annual production rate of 17,000,000 assemblies.

Epson
https://epson.com/industrial-robots-factory-automation

Tessy Automation
https://tessyautomation.com