Case Study - Medical Device Manufacturer

About

A top international medical device company had its first International manufacturing facility established in Ireland over 10 years ago. The company is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices with approximately 28,000 employees and revenue in excess of $6 billion

The Requirement

As a world leading manufacturer of medical devices the requirement for state of the art AutoID equipment is crucial, especially in the intense environments to which this equipment will be used. VisionID was asked to supply a suitable solution that would allow barcode label printing for the cleanroom and warehouse environments, as well as supplying label solutions for each printer that would adhere to the company’s strict validation process.

Secondary to this company’s requirements was a series of barcode readers that would allow for the accurate reading of printed barcodes as well as etched DPM (direct part mark) 2D codes which were being etched to the surface of medical device product, the accurate reading of the DPM would be carried out during the manufacturing process and would prove to be a key component due to the quantity and quality of the information being recorded.

DPM (Direct Part Marking) provides a permanent marking solution that ensures readability throughout the life of a product, even when subjected to harsh environments. The most common methods of marking are laser-etching, Dot peening, Ink-jetting and Chemical-etching.

Knowing that VisionID had a good working relationships with the worlds leading manufacturers of Auto ID solutions, as well as having a dedicated Service and Support department it was easy for this multi national manufacturer to choose VisionID as it’s supplier of AutoID solutions.

Printer Solution

For best printing quality that would prove fast, accurate and economical VisionID chose to supply Zebra 105SL, 170xiIII and TLP2844 label printers. Each printer had its own unique characteristic that best addressed the atmospheres it was located in as well as the printing requirement.

The Zebra 105SL combines enhanced memory, processing capability and features with rugged and reliable all-metal construction. Proven platform longevity plus fast processing and print speed make it the choice of experienced users who value reliability, productivity, consistent print quality, network compatibility and superior service and support.

The industrial-strength Zebra 170XiIIIPlus with 203 or 300 dpi print resolution can print large volumes labels up to 6.6 inches (168 mm) wide at 12 inches per second, promoting greater productivity with less roll changes or execute intricate, high resolution print applications. With its all metal construction, this printer is ideal for tough applications including compliance labels, product identification labels and pallet shipping/receiving labels, either on demand or in batches.

The direct thermal Zebra TLP2844 barcode label printer is ideal for applications requiring a space-saving, desktop-size, 4.09” (104 mm) printer. This user-friendly printer delivers optimal performance in today’s on-demand desktop labeling applications. The TLP2844 has a sturdy construction with a double-walled ABS casing.

Barcode Scanners

A number of barcode scanners were commissioned for use throughout the manufacturing facilities. The core requirement was for fast and accurate scanning of linear barcodes however a specific requirement for scanning of etched DPM 2D barcodes was specified, VisionID were happy to oblige.

Motorola/Symbol LS 2208, an affordable handheld barcode scanner providing fast and reliable scanning in an ergonomic, lightweight form. Ideal for the warehouse setting due to its durable working range, from near-contact to 17 inches (43cm) away. Multiple on-board interfaces will ensure integration with a variety of host systems.

Motorola/Symbol LS4208 - This handheld laser scanner delivers exceptional performance in a very small package. A single circuit board design ensures sturdiness and an ergonomic shape maximises user comfort. Data capture is easy due to one-pass scanning technology with multi-line rastering scan pattern.

DPM Barcode Scanners

The Symbol DS6707-DPM is a premier general purpose scanner, offering the maximum in data capture flexibility. The Symbol DS6707-DP is able to capture images and read virtually all 1D and 2D bar codes and direct part marks (DPM), including the most challenging mark, dot peen. This highly versatile device is ideal in industries that depend on a wide variety of data types, such as healthcare, aerospace and automotive.

Honeywell (HHP) IT6300. DPM identification for part traceability demands rugged, self-contained readers that perform consistently on all types of codes and parts. The Honeywell IT 6300 Series Direct Part Mark (DPM) Readers are the only solutions in the industry that read everything from the most challenging DPM codes to the easiest printed bar codes.

The Outcome

VisionID were quick to grasp the requirements of this manufacturer and absorb the underlying issues of quality that is inherent in the medical device manufacturing process. Because of VisionID’s expertise in this arena it was able to advise on best printing and scanning solutions that would adhere to the quality, accuracy and compatibility issues outlined.

A detailed understanding of DPM technology allowed VisionID to educate this manufacturer on all issues concerning and to advise on best technology solutions that would lead to world class manufacturing processes that adhered to the most stringent of requirements laid down by the industry’s regulatory bodies.