Problem:
Servomex’s sensor technology brand Hummingbird required support to manufacture vital parts for its Paracube oxygen sensor. The sensor is used for life-saving ventilators used in the treatment of severe respiratory diseases and disorders exacerbated by COVID-19.
Solution:
CMG used Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) to make the intricate, vital parts for the Paracube sensor.
Summary:
As the only manufacturer using MIM processes in the UK, it was happy to step in and help produce the parts for the Paracube sensor during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
Case study
During the height of the coronavirus pandemic the nation was called upon to come together and join a global effort to increase production of personal protective equipment and the manufacture of critical care ventilators.
Oxygen sensors, produced by Servomex’s sensor technology brand Hummingbird, are an integral part of these life-saving ventilators which have been used in the treatment of severe respiratory diseases and disorders exacerbated by COVID-19.
As demand for this equipment soared, the company faced an urgent need to vastly increase production – and this was made possible thanks to CMG Technologies.
Martin Cox, Hummingbird’s Business Unit Director, said: “Hummingbird innovated a rapid development programme to vastly increase sensor production. This was made possible by the extraordinary efforts and professionalism of our valued suppliers, including CMG Technologies.
“We are extremely appreciative of the support they provided to us in successfully meeting the challenge of combating COVID-19 coronavirus.”
So how did CMG help?
CMG uses Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) to make complex 3D shapes out of materials like steel, iron and copper.
It may seem like an unlikely candidate in the fight against a killer virus. But as one of the only manufacturers in the UK to use the manufacturing processes, it was the ideal candidate for making the intricate, vital parts for the Paracube sensor quickly and efficiently.
MIM is a manufacturing process that involves manipulating powders to behave like a plastic by mixing them with polymer binders to form a feedstock.
This “feedstock” makes the mixture capable of being handled by plastic processing equipment before the “feedstock” is then removed and the powder particles are sintered boned together in a high temperature furnace, leaving behind a solid metal component.
Rachel Garrett, managing director, said:
“During such a time of crisis, we are delighted to be able to offer our expertise and join the combined effort to help the country beat the pandemic.
“We are proud to be able to work with Hummingbird Sensing Technology to respond to the government’s call for help meeting the enormous demand for ventilation equipment – equipment that will save lives.
“We worked hard to push quality product through the system as quickly as possible while diligently following official government guidelines in relation to workplace health – taking care of our staff, clients and supply chain.
“During such exceptional times, the country really did pull together and key workers came in all shapes and sizes, working in a diverse range of sectors to do their part for the country in a time of crisis.”