Automation Meets Accuracy: How Medbio Transformed Cartridge Production for HemoSonics
Industrial robotics, vision systems, and automated testing allow Medbio to produce HemoSonics’ complex components with unmatched repeatability.
Efficiency is the Lifeblood of a Medbio and HemoSonics Collaboration
HemoSonics is a medical device technology company based in Durham, North Carolina, focused on acute bleeding management. The HemoSonics Quantra® Hemostasis System uses Sonic Estimation of Elasticity via Resonance (SEER) Sonorheometry, an ultrasound-based technology that directly measures changes in the viscoelastic properties of a whole blood sample during coagulation. The Quantra System is optimized for use at the point of care and is FDA-cleared for cardiovascular, major orthopedic, trauma, liver transplantation, and peripartum obstetric procedures. The System provides quick and actionable information about a patient’s coagulation status to help guide blood product usage and improve patient outcomes.
Medbio is a medical-focused contract manufacturer, specializing in plastic molding and custom automation. Medbio was tasked with piloting and scaling up the manufacturing of the QStat® and QPlus® disposable cartridges, which are critical components of the Quantra System. A cartridge inserted into the Quantra analyzer accepts blood through a standard evacuated tube; the sample is then heated to body temperature and mixed with reagents before ultrasound testing is initiated. This involves several steps—from plastic molding to assembly to testing, as well as integrating purchased components. “It all had to be done with extreme precision,” says Ryan Carlson, Medbio Technical Engineer. “There was no tolerance for error.”
The Evolution of a Collaboration
The initial phase of the collaboration started with Medbio producing single-cavity injection mold tools for cartridge components and utilizing a manual assembly. As this proved successful in producing high-quality parts and final assembly, Medbio and HemoSonics scaled up production with automated processes. “The automated processes helped improve efficiencies while preserving our quality standards,” says Mustafa Kindell, HemoSonics Director of Manufacturing.
The Final Solution: An Automated Manufacturing Line
Medbio partnered with HemoSonics to develop a custom automation solution that uses multiple staged cells, each equipped with industrial robotics, integrated vision systems, pneumatic presses and transport systems to precisely assemble the cartridge components.
These automation cells are overseen by highly trained operators who load the cartridge components onto transport fixtures that carry the assemblies throughout the line. The operator also unloads the final assembly and performs a visual inspection of the cartridge.
The stages from assembly to completion are meticulously designed to execute several precise, post-molding operations and assembly tasks, as well as automated inspections and testing at key points of production.
Expert Program Management
Medbio’s years of experience, combined with state-of-the-art equipment and scalable manufacturing model, allow progression in stages, seeking to reduce costs through targeted automation. “Medbio’s expertise in molding and automation optimizes productivity without compromising on quality,” says Medbio VP of Sales, Vimal Venugopalan. “It’s getting projects to market smarter, faster and more efficiently.”
Medbio delivers high repeatability and pinpoint accuracy for this complex, multi-layered assembly and assigns a skilled operator exclusively to the automation cell, ensuring consistent reporting and communication with HemoSonics via its dedicated team. This strong, focused collaboration is a cornerstone of Medbio’s success.
