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Centrifuge Designed for
Cost-Effective Manufacturing
CUSTOMER PROBLEM
MagStar™ determined a new and innovative centrifuge design could not be
manufactured within the desired target price range due to complexity and
difficulties in manufacturing. The supplier asked MagStar Technologies to
partner with them to develop a design that could be manufactured
cost-effectively.
MAGSTAR SOLUTION
Utilizing its expertise in centrifuge design and precision manufacturing
background, MagStar developed a centrifuge that met design requirements and
achieved a lower manufacturing price.
Practical Solutions
Our engineers steered the design toward more practical solutions. First, the
centrifuge design was streamlined to remove unnecessary features that did not
impact product performance. In addition, analysis of the balance between
assembly components versus piece parts led toward using more off-the-shelf
electrical mechanical components. The shift to casting versus machine parts
produced components that were more robust and serviceable in the final design
at a reduced cost.
MagStar also recommended
tolerance changes for individual components, including opening up
requirements where allowable or removing existing specifications that were
not necessary. As piece parts were individually evaluated, MagStar
recommended increased tolerances for other parts. Individual analysis found
that criteria for these piece parts would meet print specifications but, when
combined with other parts in the centrifuge, resulted in a system that would
not function properly. Throughout the design modifications, MagStar worked
with this medical company to ensure the final design met designated
requirements such as electrical connectivity and guaranteed the centrifuge’s
interface with disposables remained unaltered.
Real-World Analysis
What seems right on paper may not be manufactured easily. To achieve a
cost-effective centrifuge design, MagStar analyzed the ease of
manufacturability at each design stage. As the centrifuge customer defined
appearance and functionality of product, MagStar conducted ongoing
manufacturability analysis to ensure requirements were met.
Expertise
MagStar’s expertise is based on extensive experience working with spinning
components to understand what component and system requirements are needed to
develop a product that can be efficiently manufactured. Many years of
designing and manufacturing centrifuge units provide our engineers with the
knowledge to take a big picture approach in achieving technical product
designs that meet manufacturing price objectives. Using qualified systems
designed to meet ISO requirements, MagStar scrutinized the specifications of
every part while balancing the overall design specifications and
understanding the impact of one design change on other components.
RESULTS
MagStar utilized its expertise in spinning technology and manufacturing in
working with this customer to achieve a final centrifuge design that met
technical, manufacturing, and costing specifications.
Reduced Cost
Through design modifications, MagStar reduced manufacturing costs to 50% of
initial estimate, bringing the manufacturing price to an acceptable level.
Improved Robustness
Design changes increased design robustness that allowed more consistency in
manufacturing. MagStar recommended changing tolerances for over 90% of
individual piece parts. These changes affected overall design by more than
50%. The final centrifuge design resulted in more efficient throughput,
allowed a lower reorder point, and reduced lead-time for order production.
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