The pace of development in the field of life sciences is breathtaking - new technologies are now making possible what seemed unthinkable just a few years ago.
Intelligent analysis and dosing processes are becoming increasingly important everywhere, but especially in medical technology. Headlines report, for example, that the complete genome of a 400,000-year-old human being has been decoded for the first time... Products are becoming smaller and lighter, some substances are extremely challenging or aggressive and operate in the molecular range, the number of variants is increasing and with it the number of formulations. Even the smallest deviations in the highly complex laboratory technology could cause serious quality defects.
For example, the fields of medical and laboratory technology are constantly placing new and more unusual dimensional and quality demands on mechanical drive elements. For Eichenberger Gewinde AG, based in Switzerland, the solution-oriented dialog with the customer is always the driving force behind new developments. Through the targeted exchange of information and ideas, the needs and ideas of the partners can be understood and implemented. Thread forms that are outside the norm are the sought-after tasks for the thread specialist. The very thin and remarkably long threaded spindles from Eichenberger integrated into the pipettes of the latest high-tech analysis and dosing systems meet the highest performance requirements.
Great responsibility for modern dosing and analysis processes
Genome analysis is a procedure for determining the genetic make-up of an individual person. For this purpose, the structure and function of the entire genetic material is examined for predispositions that can cause disease in the carrier, characterize a carrier status or represent susceptibility to certain environmental influences. In genome analysis, DNA sequencing is used to decode the genetic material. Examining the genomic signature of a cell helps to decide which therapies can best be administered or is used to develop new drugs. This parallel analysis of several thousand individual sequences in a small amount of biological sample material requires great speed and precision. In addition, the mandatory sensitivity places the highest demands on a multi-purpose genomics workstation. The 2-speed Eichenberger motion spindles with a diameter of 3 mm and a pitch of 1 mm, specially designed for this workstation, ensure a smooth work process. In addition to accuracy, efficiency is the top priority when taking samples. The ideally adapted spindle pitch ratio reinforces the dynamic movement of the syringes, which are guided by an absolutely process-reliable measuring and control unit. Excellent sliding properties with a coefficient of friction of less than 0.1 ensure minimal abrasion and noiseless running. The fine threaded rods guarantee a pitch accuracy of G5 (<0.023 mm / 300 mm). The major challenge here was to master the length of 185 mm for the filigree spindles with a diameter of 3 mm with zero tolerance in terms of straightness and concentricity. When development, production and quality assurance come from a single source, the flexibility in terms of prototype creation, including end machining and thread rolling tools, as is the case at Eichenberger, is possible within a very short time.
Non-contact dispensing systems are an attractive alternative to conventional pipetting systems and enable precise volume dispensing down to the sub-microliter range (from 0.5 to 1000 µl). Pressure is used to generate absolutely reliable liquid displacement so that reagent reservoirs can be completely sealed or separated. The fully automatic cleaning of the laboratory device additionally supports the diagnostic process. In conclusion, such modern dispensing systems can significantly reduce the cost per test while increasing the reliability of test results. The small, robust and cleanroom-compatible motion spindle from Eichenberger was manufactured using the cold rolling process and further emphasizes the cost factor. It is the counterpart to the high-priced, ground spindle. Furthermore, the "smooth-rolled", compressed thread surface has a considerable increase in strength, which is essential for long service life requirements.
Service provider in development
Eichenberger Gewinde AG is a company with clear objectives: The rolling - i.e. cold forming - of threads and the production of screw drives (spindle and nut). Using state-of-the-art production methods and by developing new dimensions, Eichenberger supports the customer in "his" innovation.
