Using Automation to Unlock Efficiency in Medical Device Manufacturing

In the highly regulated and critically important field of medical device manufacturing, precision, efficiency, and quality are non-negotiable. New advancements are made every day in medical device manufacturing, and many companies are facing challenges meeting the staffing demands – and production speed expectations – in both small-scale and large-scale assembly operations.

Partnering with a workholding and automation company can be a game-changer in medical device manufacturing, offering numerous benefits that extend beyond the manufacturing floor. From enhancing product quality and regulatory compliance to reducing costs and improving worker safety, the advantages of automation in the medical device industry are clear.

“Ahaus is able to partner with companies of any size, but understanding customer’s automation needs, tight tolerances and special handling required by the medical industry is a key factor to success,” said Kevin Ahaus, President at Ahaus.  “The smaller it gets, the tighter the tolerances.  One big push right now is weekly targets of these precision products.  It’s a lot of pressure for an engineer or assembly manager and it’s very technical work.  We at Ahaus build in the reliability and quality the customer can count on.”

Not every automation company has the industry knowledge and technical ability to operate at this level of precision. And very few companies have the breadth of services needed to be involved with every stage of developing these highly specialized manufacturing processes. With expertise in automation, workholding, design, machining, engineering, and project management, Ahaus has the ability to integrate with companies during any phase of the design, production, and assembly process. Our team eases the stress of a CEO or lead engineer looking to address challenges across a manufacturing process.

Chuck Haager, Director of Business Development at Ahaus, elaborates:

“Whether it’s workholding or automation or machining, we’re able to understand the critical components and provide turnkey applications to make sure products are manufactured and assembled correctly. When we partner with companies, we become an extension of their engineering department.  Whenever they’re overloaded or feeling pressure, we can take the project from a blank sheet of paper to final assembly, and then follow up with regular support. We have a 100% commission rate; we stick with the projects and make sure that they’re commissioned 100% on our floor and on our customer’s floor.”

Ahaus Vice President Jeff Sheridan added:

“The bottom line is if there are any issues or if there are changes needed or enhancements down the road, we’re going to continue to be there over the long term to support our customers.”

 

The Surge of Surgical Device Automation

Innovation is at the heart of the surgical device industry (no pun intended); constant improvements and new technologies drive progress, and automation companies like Ahaus are often at the forefront of technological advancements in manufacturing. Cutting-edge automation capabilities can be tailored to specific product requirements with tight tolerances.

Automation technology can perform intricate tasks with unparalleled precision. When it comes to manufacturing surgical devices, such precision is vital. Automated systems can consistently create devices with exacting specifications, reducing the likelihood of human error.

But what if you can pair that precision with efficiency and repeatability? Robotic arms and machines can work around the clock, ensuring continuous production without fatigue or breaks. This not only speeds up the manufacturing process but also increases the overall output.

The automated systems that Ahaus develops can incorporate quality control measures at every stage of the manufacturing process. In fact, quality control considerations are part of the workholding and system design development process from inception, long before the first physical products roll off the assembly line. This ensures that each surgical device adheres to strict quality standards, reducing the risk of defects and product recalls.

“We program our quality control and vision systems based on the exact parameters the customer specifies,” added Kevin Ahaus. “Motors, actuators, sensors, lasers – we’re talking about integrating them into their equipment so they can ensure that they’re getting the final product right the first time; we understand what it takes to do that.”

 

Manufacturing for Good

Medical advancements save lives every day, so the collaboration between medical device manufacturers and the right automation company plays a vital role in ensuring that healthcare professionals have access to the most reliable and effective tools. Embracing automation is not just a choice; it’s a commitment to excellence and a safer, healthier future for all.

“Medical advances happen every day, with more and more products and procedures looking to treat or help people – the kinds of products that are going to help make all of our lives better,” says Sheridan. “We like the types of companies that are in this business because they’re generally focused on doing good, which goes along with the AHAUS focus and vision of being ‘Built for good.’”

Ahaus has been designing and building special equipment and assembly automation equipment for more than a quarter-century, with decades of medical product experience. The company looks forward to contributing to the innovation of medical and surgical device manufacturing.

Sheridan continued: “It’s a growing industry, and we want to be positioned to help this industry and these companies grow.”

To learn more about Ahaus’s medical device and surgical device manufacturing capabilities, contact us directly.