Covid-19 Test Swab Production Cell Introduced

Injection molding machine and automation manufacturer Engel has partnered with moldmaker Hack Formenbau to deliver ready-to-run production cells for Covid-19 test swabs. The two-component test swabs feature an elastomeric tip for specimen collection overmolded onto a rigid stick produced from a 32-cavity mold with a cycle time of 6 to 8 seconds.

The cell is based on a tiebarless, hydraulic, two-component Engel victory injection molding machine with an integrated Engel viper linear robot, which fully automates removal and depositing of the swabs. The victory machine is equipped with Engel’s iQ weight control for high process/part consistency.

An Engel spokesperson told Plastics Technology that the production cell featured is sold “off-the-shelf” but can be customized according to individual requirements. Hack developed the two-component design, initially with three different head design proposals, building off its experience with tooling for small bristles. At K 2016, Hack and Engel partnered on a cell to mold interdental brushes.

Christoph Lhota, vice president of Engel’s medical business, said in a release: “Our customers receive a complete system that is precisely tailored to their individual requirements and can get started with series production in the shortest possible time.” Engel notes that the mold and cell can be adapted in the future for projects beyond coronavirus test swabs, including swabs for influenza or other medical examinations.