Automation system keeps manufacturing in the UK

Modular Automation has developed a new plastic insert loading system for Medic-aid.

Modular Automation has developed a new plastic insert loading system for Medic-aid.

The new system is faster and more reliable than the previous method and has improved efficiency sufficiently to allow the company to keep production in the UK.

The system loads plastic inserts into a Negri Bossi 80t press to form part of a moulding for an asthma inhaler.

The inserts aid the smooth delivery of the drug through the appliance.

According to Ed Waters, Head of Engineering for Medic-aid, the system has made a tremendous difference to efficiency.

"We work in a very competitive environment and seriously considered transferring the entire assembly to China to reduce costs", he explained.

"However, this new automated system, together with some significant tooling changes, has allowed us to improve efficiency by up to 40% and keep production in the UK".

The system first bowl feeds the inserts the collects them by vacuum, eight at a time, using the latest design of Pressflow SNC robot.

The robot loads the inserts into the machine's moulding head immediately before injection.

Sensors check that the correct inserts are in place before the mould shuts.

Completed parts are unloaded automatically.

Previously the operation was a semi-automatic system.

This was much slower and was less reliable as it was not possible to check that all the inserts were in place before the mould was shut.

In turn this meant that faults had to be picked up during subsequent operations further down the production line.

Modular Automation has vast experience at developing innovative assembly systems using a modular approach and trusted technology.

By approaching its business in this practical way it ensures that its systems are realistically priced, effective and utterly reliable.

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