Module Manufacture for a Global Player of 3D Measurement Technology

15.02.2021

Responsible project manager at a leading global manufacturer of 3D position measurement systems for medical technology, gives insights into the long-term cooperation with Fried Kunststofftechnik. The reason for the cooperation was a significantly increased demand for a product that had previously been provided with a mechanically processed housing. This was replaced by an injection-moulded housing and component assembly was also outsourced.

Our partnership has been going on for more than five years. What was the reason you teamed up with Fried?

Our team asked several suppliers for the project, all of whom we analysed and rated internally using a criteria catalog. Based on the evaluation, two companies were shortlisted. The impact strength of the material played a decisive role in the decision in favour of Fried. The prototypes produced with TSG injection moulding withstood the mechanical test requirements best and remained completely undamaged.

Fried supplies your company with assemblies for electromagnetic position measuring systems. Where and for which purposes are the products used?

We primarily sell EM position measurement systems to OEM customers who integrate them into their overall medical technology system. Our technology supports the surgeon in navigating medical instruments to the right place in the body. Our electromagnetic measuring system calculates the position of a sensor built into the instrument. The position information is then forwarded to the customer’s system and processed there together with other data. Finally, it shows the surgeon the position of the instrument in real time on a screen. We are the world market leader in the field of EM position measuring systems and strive to consolidate and expand this position with innovative product and production solutions.

How large are the quantities of this project?

There is a series production of 800 to 1000 systems per year.

From which project phase was Fried allowed to support you as a partner and in which processes?

We had Fried right from the construction phase at our side. We had an idea of how the product should look from the outside, but the final design for the housing was created in collaboration with Fried. We really appreciated the support we received in designing the plastic-compatible housing, which is based on Fried’s many years of experience in TSG injection moulding. The Fried specialists also did all the preparatory work for the moulding tool. In terms of logistics, Fried gave us important input at an early stage of the project. The reusable pendulum packaging allows the parts to be packaged in a resource-saving manner, transported safely and stored in a space-saving manner.

What tasks does Fried have in the current cooperation?

Procurement of material components, mould tool storage, production, painting, assembly and testing of our parts. The coordination of purchasing and complaint activities for the single assembly components is particularly appreciated. We receive the product fully assembled.

Which specific requirements have to be considered for the products in your branch?

Our product is expected to meet TÜV and UL flammability requirements. The industry-specific requirements include, in particular, surface resistance to liquids that occur in operating rooms (e.g. blood, cleaning agents, etc.).

Are you satisfied with the quality of the injection moulded parts?

Yes, we have had very positive experiences with the assemblies produced and assembled by Fried. I can remember that our production management was very impressed with the surface quality of the painted housing parts when the first deliveries were here. This was always a reason for complaints by the previous supplier.

Which aspects do you value most in the cooperation with Fried Kunststofftechnik?

Reliability and punctuality are our top priorities. Flexibility and openness are also important. We appreciate the fact that we always came to constructive solutions through discussions. The decisive factor was always the professional exchange at eye level.

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