Wirthwein Medical puts innovative fully networked assembly line into operation

Christoph Merhold, Projektverantwortlicher für die Automationslinie, beobachtet die aktuellen Parameter der gesamten Montageanlage. / Christoph Merhold, project manager for the automation line, monitors the current parameters of the entire assembly system.

Wirthwein Medical produces plastic components for the diagnostics, medical technology and pharmaceutical industries using a combination of injection molding and extrusion blow molding technologies as well as fully automated assembly systems. The Wirthwein subsidiary has now successfully commissioned a fully interlinked production and assembly line for test tubes. The installed large-scale assembly line combines the entire know-how from 15 years of production experience and is an excellent example of increased efficiency and resource conservation.

The new fully networked assembly line, which is operated in a class 7 clean room, is connected to two injection molding machines by several robot cells and transfer lines. The injection-molded semi-finished parts are transferred directly to the assembly line in a fully automated process. Thus, intermediate steps such as packaging and additional handling are dispensed with, which not only increases efficiency but also minimizes the risk of contamination and damage to the assembled test tubes. The injection molds were manufactured in-house by Wirthwein Medical's toolmaking department.

At the heart of the assembly line is the innovative laser welding technology, which ensures a 100% leak-proof connection of the semi-finished parts. The system continuously monitors the dimensions and tightness of the components using cameras and other state-of-the-art systems. The quality data is archived in accordance with GMP guidelines and can be traced back to the individual component level thanks to a DMC code that is applied to the component by laser. At the end of the process, the inspected components are automatically stored in trays and then sent for packaging.

Christoph Merhold, the project manager responsible for the automation line, emphasizes: " We focused on developing a lean and, above all, safe material flow in combination with highly efficient automation. These efforts lead to a significant increase in production output and at the same time guarantee higher product quality for our customers." He continues: "This achievement is the result of a remarkable team effort by Wirthwein Medical and underlines our commitment to excellence in the industry."

The assembled test tubes are key components of diagnostic systems that are used by customers in fully automated blood analyzers and contribute to patient diagnosis.