Continuous progress

Lucas Schiem, Qualitätsprüfer richtet die Messvorrichtung für die Küvetten an der neuen Multisensor-Messmaschine ein. / Quality inspector Lucas Schiem sets up the measuring device for the cuvettes on the new multi-sensor measuring machine.

In 2019, Wirthwein Medical put a new, state-of-the-art measuring laboratory into operation at the Mühltal site “An der Papiermühle”. For Wirthwein Medical, innovative measurement technology is a crucial element in the development of high-quality plastic components and systems for the medical technology, pharmaceutical and diagnostics industries.

Expansions and investments in the measurement laboratory

There has been a lot going on in the central measuring laboratory at Wirthwein Medical since 2019. Two additional multi-sensor measuring machines were installed due to the high-capacity utilization of the previous measuring techniques. These machines combine high-precision optical, tactile and laser-based measuring methods in one system. Here, for example, cuvettes for blood analysis are checked in a fully automated process. Due to the transparency of the parts, precise measuring techniques are required to accurately detect the edges of the product whereby focus and lighting of the measuring device play a decisive role, as only optimal lighting conditions and precise focusing can make the fine details and contours visible and provide reliable quality control. “The data is forwarded directly to our quality assurance system and processed there, which ensures smooth integration into our existing processes,” emphasizes Angelo Häußler, quality inspector in the central measuring laboratory.

In addition, Wirthwein Medical has added a new tension-compression machine capable of measuring forces of up to 1000 newtons to their machine park. With this investment, the company has further expanded their range of measurement services.

Since 2021, Wirthwein Medical has been developing, designing and manufacturing the measuring devices in-house thus increasing flexibility and speed considerably.

Improved processes and efficiency

With the commissioning of the new measuring machines and the expansion of the team, the capacity to carry out series tests and project-related measurements on site has been further increased. In the past, many measurements were outsourced, but now the team can handle these internally and offer the customer a direct point of contact. From the complete measurement recording to the creation of measurement programs to the qualification of measurement processes, Wirthwein Medical provides everything from a single source.

Outlook into the future

Wirthwein Medical's future plans for the measurement laboratory include several core areas that will also help to meet the increasing demands in the industries. One key aspect is securing skilled workers. Continuous further training of the team is essential in order to continue to meet maximum quality standards in the future.

Customer proximity is another area that is being focused on. Improving measurement capacities and communicating directly with customers enables Wirthwein Medical to respond flexibly and quickly to their needs and always deliver precise results, thereby offering an even better service.

“The challenge of the future will be to meet the requirements and expectations of the central measurement laboratory with the ever-increasing complexity and order volume of measurement tasks,” emphasizes Denis Röhrig, team leader of the central measurement laboratory. “The last five years have shown that we are on the right track. With the investments we have made and the forward-looking measures we have taken, we are perfectly equipped to deliver premium quality, remain competitive and successfully assert ourselves in the market in the coming years,” he continues.