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The Society of Plastics Engineers
(SPE) Thermoforming Division presented SMI the
2004 “Multi-Part Assembly Award” for the Philips SkyLight Pressure Formed Enclosure Components.
The Philips Medical Systems SkyLight Nuclear Camera Platform is a breakthrough product in its field. It is the industry’s first gantry-free camera, representing a giant leap forward in the use of advanced robotics and resulting in unprecedented imaging flexibility and positioning accuracy. Philips insisted on world-class aesthetics for the enclosure system for this sophisticated nuclear diagnostic equipment. Critical design criteria included component-to-component fit, functionality and an overall sleek, modern appearance.
Specialty Manufacturing, Inc. (SMI) of San Diego, CA was selected by Philips to produce the enclosure components by the pressure forming process. Key considerations included time to market, comparative lower costs/capital expenditures and design change flexibility.
Philips engineers incorporated several SMI design suggestions to enhance appearance and assembly operations. By using a combination of molded undercuts, formed in openings and sophisticated trim techniques through 5-axis CNC and surface repeatability, fastener count was dramatically reduced, as well as achieving aesthetic requirements. Undercuts were also used to create design lines and joggles for underlap mating of components.
Kydex® Acrylic/PVC material was chosen for its toughness, rigidity and excellent forming characteristics. A custom color match in the raw material avoided painting and was combined with a tool surface acid etched texture to produce parts with a clean, crisp appearance.
The SPE also recognized SMI for a 5 piece Medical Device Handling Tray, produced for
Kyphon, Inc. The fully integrated tray design supports the medical device market for the treatment of osteoporosis.
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Philips Medical Systems SkyLight
The trays unique pocket design provides individual containment and isolation of various size devices, while offering ease of access and a compact package. Individual trays perform both lid and base functions. Formed in stacking lugs allow for secure alignment in assembly, as well as individual or multiple tray de-nesting by operating room personnel.
Tray components were formed from .040” clear PETG and .060” custom colored HIPS.
The SPE judging is performed by an international panel of experts evaluating parts displaying state of the art engineering, design features and advanced processing techniques.
SMI is a full service thermoformer, producing pressure formed, twin sheet and thin gauge packaging parts. Additional company information is available at
www.smi-mfg.com.
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