Push/Pull Testing: Hypodermic Needles

Hypodermic needles are 100% tested at a rate of one per second to make sure that the needles are secured to the hub. The needles are assembled and tested on a rotary index table. When the needle comes into the station, a gripper actuator grips the needle and a four pound force is applied. A position measurement is made, and if the needle separates, a bad part is indicated.

Key Operational Details
Position is registered with the gripper affixed to the needle
Force is ramped up and position is monitored to check for any movement
Indicate pass/fail status
Force can be controlled to +/- 25 grams
Position can be maintained to +/- five encoder counts
SMAC Advantages
Instantaneous transition from position mode to force mode
Ability to monitor position in force mode and make decision to change programs