Belfast
R & R Engineering
The Brief:
Develop a machine to automate the manufacturing of medical balloon catheters.
Our Key Responsibilities:
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Concept Development
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Mechanical Design
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Electrical Design
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Software Development
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Prototype Manufacture and Commissioning
Synopsis:
An established medical device manufacturer had developed a process for manufacture of balloon catheters that are typically used for the deployment of heart stents. They approached control panel manufacturer, R&R Engineering, and sought a solution to automate their manufacturing process. With a long standing working relationship between Solve Engineering and R&R Engineering we partnered to develop a solution to automate their process.
Through visiting their manufacturing site we undertook a detailed study of their current process and subsequently entered into a negotiation process to develop an achievable User Requirements Specification (URS).
Utilising our expertise in Solidworks and our knowledge of machine design, we worked through various design concept proposals until a final design concept and mechanical specification were agreed upon. From there, we undertook detailed design, working with component vendors SMC and IGUS amongst others to ensure the correct specification of all items. We produced full manufacturing part and assembly drawings and managed the procurement of the various bespoke parts.
We directed and assisted with the mechanical assembly of the entire machine. Working with R&R Engineering’s inhouse team and software engineer together we commissioned the machine and assisted with client Factory Acceptance Testing.
Outcome:
The customer received a machine that produced consistent quality balloon catheters. They were so impressed with the machine they subsequently ordered another one a couple of years later.








