Covid-19 Test Swab Production Cell Introduced
Cell includes a mold, molding machine and robot with the ability to create 320 test swabs per minute and 460,000 test swabs per day.
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.
Hack has three head-style variations for its covid-19 test swabs mold, which is part of a Engel tiebarless victory production cell.
Related Content
-
How Was K 2022 for Blow Molding?
Over a dozen companies emphasized sustainability with use of foam and recycle, lightweighting and energy savings, along with new capabilities in controls, automation and quick changeovers.
-
A Cost Saving Modular Approach to Resin Drying Automation
Whether implementing a moisture-sensing closed-loop system for a single dryer, or automating an entire plant, technology is available to take the guesswork and worry out of resin drying. Using a modular approach allows processors to start simple and build more capabilities over time.
-
Processing Megatrends Drive New Product Developments at NPE2024
It’s all about sustainability and the circular economy, and it will be on display in Orlando across all the major processes. But there will be plenty to see in automation, AI and machine learning as well.
