Assembly Automation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the approach and technology of various companies making automated assembly equipment for medical devices.

Design/methodology/approach – The structure of the medical device assembly market is introduced, and the expertise and applications of a small company working in the intermediate production market is described. The modular approach of Mikron Assembly Technology is examined in detail. Finally, a company making machines for very high-volume medical device assembly is considered.

Findings – The development of new medical device products is dependent on many stages of verification and validation, providing niches for assembly machinery builders of very different sizes. Reliability and precision of assembly is vital for the correct operation of the products throughout their lifetime. Testing and inspection stations form an integral part of many assembly lines, to provide a high degree of process security and traceability.

Originality/value – This paper reveals the nature of the medical device market and shows how three different-sized assembly machinery manufacturers operate in the sector.