PRIOR SOLUTION

A medical device manufacturer was using adhesive to bond two halves of a plastic housing for a handheld catheterisation device. While glue provided an initial means of attachment, it introduced several manufacturing challenges. The dispensing process required tight control to avoid excess material, inconsistent bond lines, and cosmetic defects. Cure time also created a bottleneck, limiting throughput and increasing work-in-process.

In addition, adhesive bonding introduced variability into the assembly process. Too little adhesive could compromise retention, while excess glue could contaminate adjacent features or require secondary cleanup. The manufacturer needed a more repeatable and efficient method of joining the housing halves.

The medical device manufacturer approached SPIROL for a fastening solution that would increase assembly speed, reduce process variation, and provide reliable retention without the drawbacks associated with adhesive/glue.

SPIROL Press-N-Lok™ Pin.

SPIROL SOLUTION

SPIROL Engineering recommended a Press-N-Lok™ Pin as the optimal solution for the medical device handle. Designed specifically for plastic assemblies, Press-N-Lok™ Pins provide fast, consistent installation - making them ideal for high-volume medical device production where consistency and cycle time are critical.

Unlike glue, which requires controlled dispensing and curing time, Press-N-Lok™ Pins are installed in a simple press-in operation that provides immediate retention. This significantly streamlines the assembly process and eliminates cure-time delays associated with adhesives. In addition, because retention is achieved mechanically, the assembly process becomes far more repeatable and independent of operator technique or material variation.

The Press-N-Lok Pin securely joins the housing halves by providing strong retention in the plastic while supporting a clean, efficient assembly process. Replacing adhesive with a mechanical fastening solution also helped the medical device manufacturer reduce process complexity, improve line productivity, and minimise the risk of assembly defects associated with inconsistent adhesive application.

By replacing adhesive with SPIROL Press-N-Lok™ Pins, the medical device manufacturer reduced process complexity, improved throughput, increased process consistency, and achieved a more robust fastening solution for its handheld catheterisation device.