When moulding quality's critical, the solution's all-electric for Armstrong Medical
06/11/2013 Sumitomo (SHI) Demag
Armstrong Medical is a global supplier of high quality, innovative respiratory disposables for anaesthesia and critical care. Based in Northern Ireland, the company's research and development, manufacturing, customer service and distribution processes are all consolidated into a streamlined operation that allows Armstrong to respond quickly to new clinical trends and changing customer requirements.Today, its products enjoy an enviable reputation for quality and reliability, underwritten by sophisticated manufacturing and assembly resources. These include a state of the art automated and robotic injection moulding plant, where a new Sumitomo (SHI) Demag IntElect 160 machine has recently been installed to meet increased demand for the company's products.
But the future hasn't always looked bright for Armstrong Medical. In May 2007, a disastrous fire devastated the plant, but within a year the company had resumed full production with a range of new injection moulding equipment from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag.
"It was a challenging time" recalled Production and Project Manager Nigel Simpson. "We installed and commissioned four new machines within a very tight timeframe, and that co-operation with Sumitomo (SHI) Demag set the standard of support we've enjoyed ever since."
All-electric injection moulding - a closer look
But what persuaded Nigel to choose IntElect all-electric technology for Armstrong's latest acquisition?
"We examined all the options available, and decided that the all-electric drive would allow us to achieve the quality and precision essential to our business. In addition, it offers significant advantages in energy consumption, and the operatives appreciate the cooler, quieter shop floor environment."
The IntElect range of machines is the result of a unique marriage of Japanese and European technology. The all-electric drives are produced in-house by Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and, combined with the company's advanced mechanical engineering, provides the precise control needed for the quality of moulding that Armstrong Medical insists on.
This has paid dividends, explains Nigel Simpson. "With critical care products, quality is essential. Our commitment to product quality exceeds internationally recognised standards and extends throughout the production and QA team. We are always mindful that the products we manufacture are used to save lives in critical care applications all over the world. We operate a system of regular and rolling inspection, and because of the consistency we achieve with the IntElect, we've been able to extend scheduled inspection to two-hourly intervals."
With both Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and Armstrong Medical sharing a commitment to drive up productivity and quality, the traditional supplier/user relationship has blossomed into a partnership which has benefited both parties.
This spirit of co-operative development has allowed the moulding process to be monitored on a 24/7 basis, with SMS messages and status reports sent directly to Nigel's mobile phone. The five moulding machines are networked, and their controls can be remotely accessed from anywhere in the world, so that any issues can be addressed quickly and effectively addressed.
The quality of technical support is an essential part of efficient manufacturing, believes Nigel Simpson. "We've always enjoyed the highest levels of service from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, and we value their willingness to go the extra mile".
Dave Raine, Technical Sales Manager at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is equally enthusiastic about what has been achieved at the Coleraine plant.
"We always enjoy working with a company with a no-compromise attention to the quality and consistency of its products. Armstrong Medical has always been receptive to new ideas and technology which help improve manufacturing efficiency, and this attitude has enabled our people to work together effectively to create a production environment that's second to none."
For more information, please contact:
Nigel Flowers,
Managing Director
Sumitomo (SHI)
Tel: +44 (0)1296 739500
Email: nigel.flowers@dpg.com
Web: uk.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu/
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