BOSTON MATTHEWS INTRODUCES EXTRUSION LINE FOR PRODUCTION OF PS PIPETTE TUBES
Extrusion machinery manufacturer Boston Matthews is pleased to announce the introduction of a new extrusion line designed specifically for the production of Styrene (PS) Pipette Tubes.
Designed in co-operation with medical device manufacturers, the Pipette Tube Line provides a completely versatile line capable of extruding, sizing, drying and accurately cutting the PS tubes without marking or swarf.
Designed for energy-efficient operation and cleanroom conditions
Incorporated throughout the entire line are those elements required to meet the production demands of today’s manufacturers, including the strict regulations needed to manufacture for the medical sector.
Direct-drive on the extruder ensures a clean, brushless operation and provides maximum transmission of power, which greatly assists energy efficiency. This is further enhanced with the use of AC Vector motor technology. Maintenance is also greatly reduced using this technology and so reduces the risk of downtime and disruption to production. All surfaces are easy to wipe down and the open-plan construction allows for easy access for cleaning to all areas.
All surfaces that are in contact with water are made from high-grade stainless steel to prevent any corrosion and risk of contamination.
Capable of producing a range of tube sizes
The PS Pipette Line from Boston Matthews allows for a range of pipette tube sizes to be manufactured. Easy to change tooling and settings reduce the time taken to change from one tube size/specification to another in a relatively short space of time. The ability to change tube sizes allows the manufacturer to meet the changing demands of their customers without incurring massive disruption to production or requiring investment in several separate items of production equipment. Typical tube sizes range from 1ml capacity tubes to 25ml capacity. All tubes are manufactured and cut to length in-line with an output of up to 30 tubes per minute.
Swarfless, Accurate Tube Cutting
Designed using 3D parametric computer design software, the PS tube cutter represents a significant advancement in tube cutting. The ability to automatically synchronise to the line speed enables tubes to be cut accurately and consistently to close tolerances without marking, shattering, or producing any swarf.
Boston Matthews Sales Director Simon Brookes stated:
"Styrene is an extremely tricky material to cut without causing shattering or damage.
"It is essential that the tubes are accurately cut to tolerance without any imperfections or swarf as the tubes are subjected to several completely automated post-extrusion processes.
"Our development in cutting technology has allowed us to achieve this and ultimately increase the production capacity of pipette manufacturers.”
Complete Line Control and Product Traceability
Complete PLC control through the SMART system is also available with the PS Pipette Tube Line. The SMART colour touch-screen control system allows for simple line operation, quick start-up and provides essential tools for the tube manufacturer’s management. Password protection ensures line settings and production security is always controlled and maintained. Production data is fully accessible and transferable through a variety of means, including Ethernet and modem. This allows for production data to be used for product quality analysis, traceability and efficiency reports.
Simon said:
"The SMART control system provides the manufacturer with the means to control the extrusion operation as well as the ability to access a large amount of data if required.”
PlastikCity Media