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Waimica case

Waimica's Solution for the Automated Labeling and Packaging Platform in Surgical Instrument Manufacturing

2022-02-07 Waimica

Industry Challenges and Pain Points:

The automated production line for surgical instruments, specifically the labeling and packaging platform, is a highly specialized sector within industrial automation. This system typically consists of high-precision robotics, conveyors, vision systems, and automated packaging equipment. The trend in the industry is shifting toward increased flexibility, reduced cycle times, and higher standards of sterility and traceability in manufacturing environments.

However, this evolution brings several challenges. The labeling and packaging process requires precise synchronization between motion axes to ensure accurate positioning and consistent operation. As a result, gear drives in these systems must meet strict requirements for torque density, positional accuracy, and responsiveness. The typical issues include:

  • Low Torque-to-Weight Ratio: In automated surgical instrument assembly, space is limited and weight is a key constraint, especially in high-speed operations.
  • Reduced System Stability: Traditional gear drives may suffer from backlash or wear, leading to misalignment and compromised accuracy over time.
  • High Maintenance Demands: In cleanroom environments, frequent maintenance can disrupt operations and raise compliance costs.
  • Energy Efficiency and Heat Dissipation: Prolonged high-speed operation increases the demand for energy-efficient and thermally stable gear solutions.

Key Role and Technical Requirements for Gear Drives:

In the surgical instrument labeling and packaging platform, gear drives are essential for maintaining synchronized motion between multiple robotic arms and linear actuators. The system relies on them to achieve the following performance goals:

  • High Torque Density: Compact design with the ability to transmit high torque without increasing footprint.
  • Accurate Positioning and Repeatability: Ensuring that every label is applied precisely and every packaging unit is assembled without error.
  • Fast Response Time: Supporting high-speed, low-latency operation in high-throughput production lines.
  • High Compatibility with Servo Motors: Seamless integration with modern servo systems to optimize performance and reduce tuning time.

In addition, gear drives must operate reliably in environments that may involve high temperatures, exposure to sterilizing agents, and stringent cleanliness requirements. Therefore, long service life and low maintenance frequency are critical design considerations.

Waimica's Bevel Gear Drive Solution:

Waimica has developed a specialized bevel gear drive solution tailored for the surgical instrument labeling and packaging platform. This solution is engineered to overcome the most pressing challenges in the industry and offer superior performance and durability.

  • Compact and Modular Design: Our bevel gear drives are built with a space-saving structure and modular architecture to support flexible system integration and various mounting options.
  • High Precision and Efficiency: The drives provide precision within ±0.1 arcmin and an overall efficiency of over 95%, ensuring minimal energy loss and optimal control response.
  • Robust Environmental Adaptability: These gear drives are designed to withstand high temperatures (up to 85°C) and are suitable for operation in cleanroom conditions with an IP65 rating.
The system relies on them to achieve the following performance goals:

  • High Torque Density: Compact design with the ability to transmit high torque without increasing footprint.
  • Accurate Positioning and Repeatability: Ensuring that every label is applied precisely and every packaging unit is assembled without error.
  • Fast Response Time: Supporting high-speed, low-latency operation in high-throughput production lines.
  • The system relies on them to achieve the following performance goals:

    • High Torque Density: Compact design with the ability to transmit high torque without increasing footprint.
    • Accurate Positioning and Repeatability: Ensuring that every label is applied precisely and every packaging unit is assembled without error.
    • Fast Response Time: Supporting high-speed, low-latency operation in high-throughput production lines.
    • High Compatibility with Servo Motors: Seamless integration with modern servo systems to optimize performance and reduce tuning time.

    In addition, gear drives must operate reliably in environments that may involve high temperatures, exposure to sterilizing agents, and stringent cleanliness requirements. Therefore, long service life and low maintenance frequency are critical design considerations.

    Waimica's Bevel Gear Drive Solution:

    Waimica has developed a specialized bevel gear drive solution tailored for the surgical instrument labeling and packaging platform. This solution is engineered to overcome the most pressing challenges in the industry and offer superior performance and durability.

    • Compact and Modular Design: Our bevel gear drives are built with a space-saving structure and modular architecture to support flexible system integration and various mounting options.
    • High Precision and Efficiency: The drives provide precision within ±0.1 arcmin and an overall efficiency of over 95%, ensuring minimal energy loss and optimal control response.
    • Robust Environmental Adaptability: These gear drives are designed to withstand high temperatures (up to 85°C) and are suitable for operation in cleanroom conditions with an IP65 rating.
Parameter Waimica Bevel Gear Drive Leading Brand (e.g., Nabtesco)
Torque Range (Nm) 50 - 300 60 - 320
Backlash (arcmin) ±0.1 ±0.1
Efficiency (%)
Parameter Waimica Bevel Gear Drive Leading Brand (e.g., Nabtesco)
Torque Range (Nm) 50 - 300 60 - 320
Backlash (arcmin) ±0.1 ±0.1
Efficiency (%) 95 - 97 95 - 96
Operating Temperature (°C) -10 to +85 -20 to +80
Mounting Options Flange, Hollow Shaft, Shaft Mount Flange, Hollow Shaft
IP Rating IP65 IP65
Customization Capabilities High Moderate

Typical Application and Customer Feedback:

One of our customers, a leading manufacturer of surgical instruments, required a gear drive solution for a high-speed labeling and packaging platform. Their challenge was to maintain high precision and synchronization across multiple axes in a compact and clean environment, with a focus on minimizing maintenance and ensuring longevity.

The Waimica engineering team conducted a detailed site survey, analyzed the motion profiles, and selected a series of high-precision bevel gear drives to integrate with the customer’s existing servo motor system. Our team also participated in the commissioning phase, providing real-time support and tuning the system for optimal performance.

The results were significant. After the integration of Waimica’s gear drives, the customer reported the following improvements:

Performance Indicator Before Waimica After Waimica
Positioning Accuracy ±0.3 arcmin ±0.1 arcmin
Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) 5000 hours 8000 hours
Maintenance Interval Every 1000 hours Every 2000 hours
Energy Efficiency 88% 96%

These improvements allowed the customer to reduce downtime, increase production throughput, and meet regulatory standards with higher confidence.

Conclusion and Waimica Brand Value Summary:

Waimica’s bevel gear drives provide a high-performance, compact, and reliable solution that addresses the key limitations of traditional gear drives in the surgical instrument manufacturing industry. With high customization capabilities, fast delivery times, and competitive pricing, Waimica is a compelling alternative to foreign counterparts, offering equivalent or better performance without the premium price tag.

Looking ahead, the surgical instrument manufacturing industry is expected to see increased adoption of automated, modular, and smart manufacturing systems. Waimica is well-positioned to support this transformation with its advanced drive technology and dedicated engineering services. As a trusted partner, we offer not only a cost-effective solution but also long-term collaboration value in this evolving market.