Spectrum’s Automated Injection Molding Offers Smart, Scalable, and Repeatable Solutions

Automation in medical device injection molding is not just beneficial, it’s often essential due to the industry's strict quality, cleanliness, and traceability requirements. Moreover, medical components and devices are subject to extremely tight tolerances, making manual variations unacceptable.
Companies facing all types of injection molding challenges have turned to Spectrum Plastics Group, a DuPont Business, over the years thanks to its manufacturing expertise and ability to offer customized solutions, many of which involve automation. From new product launches that require insert molding to existing product runs of varying volumes, Spectrum has been producing over a million high-quality components a year on time and within budget. And automation has been the key to this for leveraging almost around-the-clock production.

Recently, Spectrum completed a project for a leading supplier of products for healthcare professionals. Using automation, Spectrum built high-pressure braided tubing into a mold and then overmolded the tubing. The collaborative robots (“cobots”) used offered many advantages:

• Cleanroom compatibility as many cobots are ISO-certified for cleanroom use (Classes 5–8)
• Safety for operating near humans as they have built-in force sensors and safety systems
• Flexibility and 24/7 deployment for different molds or part types without production pauses
• Precision handling for delicate parts using precise, repeatable movements
• Lower capital and operating costs by automating repetitive tasks
• Easy programming and quick setup time
• Regulatory and traceability support that helps maintain records

Spectrum’s team worked hand-in-hand with the cobots to help with measurements, monitor processes, and implement improvements for even greater efficiency.

“Our focus is on delivering the best solution we can in terms of quality, time, and budget,” explains Angela Hu, senior engineering manager at Spectrum. “We consistently receive high praise from customers for our collaborative approach and transparent communication.”
Throughout every stage of a project, Spectrum actively involves the customer, leading to better outcomes and stronger partnerships. Spectrum’s quality and inspection teams collaborate closely to monitor standards and address issues early, allowing them to deliver proper solutions that meet both technical and regulatory requirements.