Automation saves 20% for Escatec

Escatec has shaved 20% off the manufacturing costs of a medical patch pump by automating the production and test processes

Escatec redesigned its manufacturing process to put additional components onto an order that originally would have been done by hand. This took several minutes per unit and added to the production cost.

Dr Martin Muendlein, technology specialist at Escatec, said:  "As a result, we were able to shave 20% off the total manufacturing and test costs of each unit.  This ensured that we are competitively priced."

Examples of cost reduction include having the sensors supplied on a reel so that they can be installed on the SMT line and having the opto sensors pre-assembled into a can by the supplier. 

Cost reduction measures were also applied to the testing. 

Initially units were tested one at a time using a dedicated stand-alone test unit, however Escatec has designed a new unit that can test twelve devices at the same time.

Dr Thomas Dekorsy, general manager at Escatec, said: "Because this is a medical device, any changes in the design, manufacture and test have to be rigorously evaluated and recorded.

"As one of the few contract design and manufacturing companies to have both ISO13485 and FDA registration, we have rigorous and robust procedures in place which stem from our Swiss focus on quality and precision."