| | Jul 13, 2011 — PBC Linear designs a drop-in, custom linear stage system for a diagnostic analyzer that saved the equipment manufacturer on assembly time and total cost.
When designing new diagnostic medical equipment, manufacturability and ease of assembly can be just as critical as performance. A complex assembly and installation process can lead to higher costs and additional need for maintenance upkeep in the field. Recently, PBC linear worked closely with a medical equipment engineering team to streamline the design of their motion control system for a diagnostic analyzer. After reviewing the initial design, PBC Linear was able to provide a simplified solution that was specifically designed to fit into the compact working area.
The diagnostic analyzer required precise movement to position the bio-samples in place as well as to store/sort them when not being analyzed. To solve their linear motion issues, PBC Linear needed to provide a driven linear guide system that was compact enough to fit into the pre-designed package as well as precise enough to reliably move the samples into place.
Originally, the medical equipment manufacturer approached PBC Linear to offer a compatible substitute to their motion control assembly; which consisted of 33 components including multiple complex machined pieces. Also, the machining and assembly processes had to be completed by several separate vendors; resulting in a slower time to market. PBC resolved to streamline the process and recommended using a single piece plain bearing assembly to simplify installation, improve reliability and reduce total installed cost.
PBC Linear’s lead screw driven Mini-Rail® linear stage was the answer. Accurate and reliable, the Mini-Rail linear stage uses proven Simplicity® plain bearing technology to ensure long-lasting, maintenance-free travel. The linear stages’ 303 stainless steel lead screw provided the optimum drive for subtle adjustment. Installed with custom brackets for optimized application fit, the Mini-Rail linear stage solution offered the compact positioning the design team was searching for.
During testing, the design team saw an immediate savings in both time and cost – not to mention an improvement in reliability. PBC Linear’s custom Mini-rail solution reduced total installed cost by 40%! Also, since PBC does their machining in-house, the new solution streamlined processing and simplified machining vendors down to 1. | |
