WHAT TECHNOLOGY IS INVOLVED IN THE XTRAY AND WHICH PROCESS STEPS DOES THE LICENSE INCLUDE?

The XTray is based on a completely developed and tested winding machine (fully and partly automatic) which is completely designed and optimized for the XTray and which can be combined with various other patents and process steps such as for example:

  • SCA (Suture Control Arm)
  • Fully automatic sequence: Feeding of the XTrays from special magazines,
  • Feeding of the codes either manually to the infeed station or fully automatically from the upstream machine,
  • Fully integrated printing of the paper lids,
  • Servo-driven winding process,
  • Optional camera controls
  • Optional stacking of the finished trays in magazines
  • Winding under the lid

WHAT TECHNOLOGY IS IN THE PRODUCTION MACHINE COMPATIBLE WITH THE XTRAY?

The most important technologies and systems optimally tailored to the XTray are:

  • Fully automatic aluminum blister lines and sealer-blanker machines with different production capacities
  • Adapted magazining system for an optimized process flow in the entire production
  • Cartoning systems for different formats and sizes
  • Harro Höfliger (Standard) machine engineering and service structure (remote support)
  • HMI – suitable for pharma and medical device industry
  • US-riveting, thread magazine, winding technolgy

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE PRODUCTION/PACKAGING MACHINE COMPATIBLE WITH THE XTRAY?

The development of the XTray is based on the expertise gained from packaging machine technology. The great advantage is that both process and product are precisely matched to each other. This results in the following additional valuable advantages:

  • Fully integrated and fully automated process incl. connection to existing database systems
  • production speed of up to 20 products/min
  • Solutions from lab to final production: starting with a manual winding system, single lid printer unit…
  • Adapted to the needs and requirements of the sterilization process

AT WHAT PRODUCTION QUANTITY DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO USE THE XTRAY?

Of course, an exact answer can only be given after the specific task has been calculated and taken as a basis. Here our customers themselves have the best insight and know their costs exactly. Basically even a small production quantity is sufficient to make efficient use of the XTray.This is especially true for expensive special codes.

  • Manual and partially automated systems are available for low quantities.
  • Transition in connection with automation; Batches > 2000, yearly output > 2 mio
  • Smaller quantities and batches - if presentation on the XTray provides a USP or special market access or marketing effect

WHICH PROCESS STEPS AND PERFORMANCE RANGES DOES DS TECHNOLOGY COVER?

  • License holder of the XTray Technology
  • Provides a network of validated and exclusive suppliers (Tray, LID, Winding/Blistering/Packaging Units)
  • Supply chain management
  • Provides support from initial discussions up to and beyond series production
  • Documentation according to MDR EU 2017/745

HOW QUICKLY CAN THE PRODUCTION/PACKAGING MACHINE COMPATIBLE WITH THE XTRAY BE RETROFITTED TO A DIFFERENT NEEDLE/THREAD COMBINATION?

This is one of the major advantages of the XTray technology. Format changeover is done within a few minutes.

The required parameters are stored as formats in the machine control, which contains CFR Part 11

The changeover time for the winding is about 4 - 15 min

WHAT DO CUSTOMERS REQUIRE TO USE THE XTRAY?

This offers customers another major advantage: initially, they do not have to meet any requirements and can confidently rely on our know-how.  Even if a customer is a completely new investor in the field of surgical sutures, DS Technology together with Harro Höfliger Verpackungsmaschinen can provide support and advice.

Naturally, the automation and product know-how must be built up step by step with the customer. This is an extensive field of learning and development for customers.

CAN THE XTRAY BE ADAPTED TO THE BRANDING AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE CUSTOMER OR IS THERE NO LEEWAY?

The XTray offers a great deal of freedom and flexibility and can be adapted to almost any requirements that do not change the XTray's technology and technical design. Here are the most important facts at a glance:

  • The external dimensions of the XTray can be adjusted in a defined range.
  • Content, colour and arrangement of the ID can be printed according to customer specifications
  • A large part of the common needle-thread combinations is possible with the XTray