The Special Machines division of Franconian drive specialist Schaeffler recently presented a system for manufacturing high-performance X-ray tubes, which the company developed on behalf of Siemens Healthineers AG. ‘Our innovative plant concept for our partner Siemens Healthineers represents a milestone in our successful business development,’ says Bernd Wollenick, Head of Schaeffler Special Machines, adding: ‘The plant for the semi-automated production of X-ray tubes not only enables more flexible manufacturing of high-performance products, but also improves ergonomics in the workplace.’

For the successful industrialisation of medical devices

With its production system for X-ray tubes, Schaeffler Special Machines says it is setting new standards in the industrialisation of medical devices, combining flexibility, efficiency and precision in a single concept. The aim was to develop one of the most modern production systems for medical technology in Europe at the High Energy Photonics Centre in Forchheim in collaboration with Siemens Healthineers. The High Energy Photonics Centre is the first fully digitalised factory where all core components for X-ray-based imaging are designed and manufactured. In the new production facility, production processes are optimised by heat treatment furnaces integrated directly into the production system, weighing stations that can weigh components weighing up to 80 kilograms with an accuracy of up to two grams, and special test benches for helium leak detection. To meet the highest quality requirements, a comprehensive acoustic test with airborne and structure-borne noise level measurement has been integrated into the workflow.

Advanced worker assistance system for smooth processes

During the development of the production line, particular attention was paid to consistent worker guidance, which is supported by a user-friendly human-machine interface. This is intended to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow for all involved. By embedding the production line in the plant simulation system, test results and engineering data are efficiently processed and evaluated. The flexible assembly and testing concept enables the manufacture of a wide range of product variants and the integration of driverless transport systems in order to make optimum use of the trend towards automation. In addition to assembling the X-ray tubes, Schaeffler Special Machine Building also handles all testing processes and the internal material flow between the individual stations.