Automation Products FAQs
The FAQs that follow address some of the common questions we are asked about our automation products.
- What types of automated machinery have you provided?
- What automation technologies do you specialize in providing?
- To what industries have you provided automated equipment?
- For what applications has DMW Automation built automated machinery or systems?
- Will you build prototypes?
- How fast do your machines operate?
- Do the machines you build have UL or similar certifications?
- Do you produce machines that can safely handle hazardous materials?
- Will you partner with us to supply specific parts of machine we are building?
- What testing is performed to validate a machine works correctly?
- What documentation is provided for a new machine?
- Can you build machines out of stainless steel?
- Can you provide painting and coating services?
What types of automated machinery have you provided?
DMW Automation has designed and manufactured equipment to assemble and package a variety of products at medium to high speed.
Typical product sizes range from 1/8” to 5” and production speeds range from 5 parts per minute for a proof-of-principle application, all the way to 1200 parts per minute for multi-station assembly lines.
Our machine designs span rotary and in-line indexing platforms, to continuous-motion platforms, or a combination of both. The products can be handled self-standing, or held in puck carriers.
We currently serve the Pharmaceutical Industry, Medical Industry, and Consumer Product Industry including Consumer & Industrial Batteries.
What automation technologies do you specialize in providing?
DMW Automation specializes in the design and manufacture of high-speed assembly and packaging equipment. We utilize synchronous continuous-motion to achieve high speeds. DMW Automation's synchronous continuous-motion equipment achieves speeds as high as 800 parts per minute while still leaving adequate dwell time to perform necessary operations on the components being processed.
DMW Automation also has experience designing and manufacturing synchronous indexing equipment. This equipment generally operates at speeds up to 150 parts per minute and is used when
- Speeds are slower
- Components are more difficult to handle, or
- Process times per tool location are shorter
Indexing will generally result in a more economical automation solution over continuous-motion in this scenario.
DMW Automation also has experience designing and manufacturing puck handling equipment. Generally, puck handling systems are used when the components being handled for transport are unstable and cannot be conveyed without being supported. Also, puck handling systems are used when components require a specific orientation to be kept throughout various assembly steps. We have developed and manufactured puck handlings systems that perform at speeds up to 1,200 parts per minute.
DMW Automation has also developed component-orienting solutions aimed at customers who require high-quality equipment and quick changeover along with minimal operator intervention and/or adjustments. Our Orientor design is based on our proven rotary labeler technology. It uses a patented helix/cam or servomotor-driven technology to positively bring components to the correct orientation. Our Orienters are currently in operation at speeds up to 300 parts per minute.
DMW Automation can also integrate 3rd party solutions into our assembly and packaging platforms. Some of these solutions include:
- Labeling systems
- Feeding & orienting systems
- A variety of pumping solutions (positive displacement, time-pressure, peristaltic, etc.)
- CO2 and YAG lasers
- Ink jet printing
- A multitude of inspection tools (vision cameras, LVDTs)
- Hi-Pot and other electrical test mechanisms, and
- Many more!
To what industries have you provided automated equipment?
DMW Automation has provided automated equipment to a number of industries including, but not limited to:
For what applications have you built automated machinery or systems?
DMW Automation has developed and manufactured automated equipment for a wide variety of applications including, but not limited to:
- Automated high speed battery assembly
- Automated high speed packaging
- Patented parts handling platform for a high speed rotary labeling equipment line of products
- Vial handling equipment for the controlled motion of injectable drug vials for non-invasive leak testing
- Vial handling equipment specifically designed for the accurate control of lyophilized and liquid filled vials through a variety of coding and inspection applications incorporating 3rd party vision systems
- Consumer product high speed assembly and packaging such as:
- Spray trigger insertion and servomotor-controlled closure
- Spray trigger tube bending
- Container Orienters, and
- High speed tube packaging
- High speed medical sample tube assembly and packaging,
- Pharmaceutical and medical product assembly & packaging such as:
- IV tube set assembly
- IV bags assembly & filling
- Tip & cap assembly & testing
- Custom handling and leak testing of blow-fill-seal products
- Vials feeding, orienting and loading into trays, and
- Clamshell loading, sealing & labeling
Will you build prototypes?
DMW Automation will design and build prototypes on a case-by-case basis depending on the needs and desires of the customer.
We build prototypes when a new approach or technology needs to be proven out in order to minimize the likelihood of a problem when developing the full line. This approach can reduce cost and/or timelines by eliminating the need for redesigns late into a full line development effort.
The need for the prototype is usually determined by collaborative discussions between DMW Automation and our customer.
How fast do your machines operate?
The speed of equipment developed by DMW Automation varies depending upon the needs of the customer, the complexity of the components being handled and the number of operations being performed. Each line is designed specifically to meet the needs of the customer for their application.
We have developed equipment requiring speeds as low as 10 parts per minute to speeds as high as 800 parts per minute! See our Capabilities section for a more detailed description of how designs may be selected based on the specific needs of the application.
Do the machines you build have UL or similar certifications?
UL certifications are not typically applicable to custom automation with the exception of the electrical enclosures that house the PLC’s and power distribution. DMW Automation has partnered with a UL-approved supplier who assembles and wires electrical enclosures designed by us complete with a UL certification. This is done on an as requested basis.
The remainder of the equipment designed and manufactured by DMW Automation complies with OSHA regulations for safety. When required, we can also design and build to specific customer safety specifications that may be enhanced beyond OSHA regulations.
Do you produce machines that can safely handle hazardous materials?
DMW Automation has made automation equipment that has handled hazardous materials. Our 50+ years of experience have included stations handling a multitude of chemicals including potassium hydroxide, a very caustic chemical.
We can work with you to determine whether DMW Automation has the level of experience you need to handle your demanding application.
Will you partner with us to supply specific parts of machine we are building?
DMW Automation generally does not supply specific components for machines designed by third parties. We will however, update/improve/duplicate existing equipment for our customers.
What testing is performed to validate a machine works correctly?
Final acceptance testing (FAT) is the standard protocol most commonly used by customers. Generally the requirements for this testing come from the customer, however DMW Automation staff work with our customers to assist them in developing the most effective test plan for their specific application. The customer is usually on site for the final acceptance testing (FAT) and training, and can either run it themselves, or observe while DMW Automation's personnel execute the plan.
What documentation is provided for a new machine?
DMW Automation’s custom automation equipment or systems standard documentation provided includes:
- Operators manual which includes installation and startup instructions, description of general operation, HMI (human machine interface) screen layouts, troubleshooting, maintenance recommendations and a spare parts list
- Complete set of electrical documentation including wiring diagrams and machine software
- Mechanical and electrical Bills of Materials, and
- Mechanical assembly layouts and detailed drawings of wear components that allow customers to order spare parts from any vendor source including DMW Automation.
Can you build machines out of stainless steel?
DMW Automation is well versed in using all types of stainless steel as well as other specialty materials for your specific needs because of our significant past and current experience designing and building equipment for the Pharmaceutical and Medical Products industries.
Please feel free to contact us at 847-437-0665 and ask about our ability to meet your requirements.
Can you provide painting and coating services?
DMW Automation has suppliers who can provide components with virtually any required finish, including standard and specialty paints and coatings. Feel free to send us your specific requirement and we can confirm our ability to provide your equipment with the finishes you desire.
For more information about DMW Automation's custom automation equipment and systems services, please call us at 847-437-0665 or email us at sales@dmwautomation.com.
