Manufacturing medical devices with maximum precision
People’s health is always the top priority in medicine. Therefore it is particularly important to ensure a consistent level of quality and reliability in medical device production. High-precision measurement and rapid analysis are very much in demand here, since even minor deviations can sometimes lead to unforeseeable and serious consequences.
Development and optimisation of mesh nebulisers
More efficient development processes and gentler aerosol generation for modern therapies
Modern inhalation therapy systems enable the targeted delivery of medications to specific areas of the lungs. In this process, both the properties of the active ingredient and the requirements of the target site must be precisely taken into account.
A key technology is the mesh nebulizer: The high-frequency vibration of a membrane converts a liquid medication into a fine aerosol. Critical factors include the amplitude, frequency, and mode shape of the membrane, as they determine the droplet size, the distribution of the aerosol, and the mechanical stress on the active ingredient.
Non-contact, full-field vibration measurement using laser vibrometry enables a detailed analysis of these membrane movements. Based on the measurement data, mechanical designs can be specifically optimized, simulation models validated, and shear forces reduced. This is particularly crucial for sensitive active ingredients such as biologics, as their structure can be compromised by mechanical stress. Thus, precise vibration analysis supports the development of efficient and gentle inhalation systems.
Improved medication nebulizers through vibration measurement
[Translated from original German]
Pulmotree Medical GmbH
Quality assurance in medical device manufacturing
In medical technology, consistently high product quality is essential, as even minor deviations can affect the safety and effectiveness of treatments. Accordingly, precise measurement methods and reliable quality controls are indispensable.
In the manufacture of nebulizers for inhalation applications, a liquid medication is atomized via a vibrating membrane that is excited into ultrasonic vibrations by piezoelectric elements. The functionality of this membrane directly influences the dosing accuracy and reproducibility of aerosol generation.
Laser vibrometry enables non-contact analysis of vibration behavior in both development and production. During the development phase, it supports the optimization of design and function. In manufacturing, it can be integrated into automated testing processes to achieve 100% quality control. Measurement data is evaluated in real time, enabling an immediate pass/fail decision.
By continuously adapting the evaluation algorithms, testing processes can be further improved, scrap reduced, and process stability increased. Thus, vibration measurement makes an important contribution to ensuring reproducible results and high quality standards in medical device production.
Acoustic quality control with laser precision
Acoustic quality testing is a versatile, non-destructive method for ensuring the quality and reliability of products and manufacturing processes. It provides information about vibration behavior, thereby revealing unacceptable deviations in the manufacturing process and the condition of the test specimens.
The IVS-500 Industrial Vibration Sensor enables non-contact and reproducible pass/fail evaluation directly on the production line. Through optical vibration measurement, it supports reliable acoustic quality inspection of products, semi-finished goods, and assemblies. The robust, maintenance-free technology is designed for use in demanding manufacturing environments and enables cost-effective testing even in confined spaces. This helps reduce false rejects, optimize processes, and sustainably improve yield and quality.
Related products
VibroScan QTec Xtra
VibroScan QTec Xtra measures vibrations in a new way - without contact, full-field and with unprecedented precision. With its groundbreaking multi-path interferometry, QTec® sets new standards in terms of optical sensitivity and interference immunity. The Xtra, based on an infrared (SWIR) laser is characterized by the highest optical sensitivity to guarantee highly accurate measurements even on demanding technical surfaces. VibroScan QTec Xtra ensures maximum portability through integrated data acquisition and signal generator up to 32 MHz.
IVS-500 Industrial Vibration Sensor
The IVS-500 Industrial Vibration Sensor is key to fast and non-contact vibro-acoustic quality inspection, structure-borne noise analysis and reliable pass-fail decisions. Its robust and compact design enables a smooth integration into process control systems for in-line and production testing up to 100 kHz, whenever requiring short cycle times like for end-of-line tests. The sensor is wear-free and avoids expensive servo-mechanisms or noise protection cabins.
VibroOne
The laser Doppler vibrometer VibroOne® is the one-box solution for non-contact vibration measurement up to 3 MHz. It is specifically designed for tightly packed setups, whether in research laboratories, challenging production environments or for non-contact analysis of tiny details on microstructures or biomedical probes. The optional inline HD+ camera helps positioning the laser precisely and provides proper test documentation.
SonicTC QuickCheck
Multi-channel, PC-based testing software for fully or partially automatic process monitoring and quality control based on the vibration behaviour of manufactured products. SonicTC QuickCheck is a flexible tool for acoustics and vibration measurement in industrial quality control. The versatile fields of application reach from series production to in-process development.
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