Analyzing data for process qualification is an essential practice of medical device manufacturing. It’s also an exercise in copy, paste and patience. There are a lot of data points to be analyzed during process qualification. Each column of data must be copied from a spreadsheet and pasted into a software program for data analysis. What […]
Successful first article inspections are essential to successful medical device manufacturing. As part of first article inspection (FAI), medical device manufacturers inspect the first part off a machine to ensure results meet requirements and that the part will work as designed. This inspection builds customer confidence in the manufacturing process, and results are incorporated into […]
Reducing lead time for orthopedic implant medical devices is one of the top priorities for our customers. It’s understandable to want to know exactly how long a process will take until the first article or first shipment is on its way to the customer. One of the best ways to reduce lead times is responsive […]
2020 was a year marked by unexpected changes for the medical device industry because of COVID-19, which left many looking to 2021 with hope and anticipation. Some of the trends from 2020 will continue well into this year, including the reliance on virtual communication and an industry-wide focus on recovery. New trends will also take […]
When our vice president of automation and technology, Jim Stertz, saw the alert that one of Lowell’s machines had stopped production, he took a closer look. After a quick diagnosis, he restarted the machine and brought production back online. This wouldn’t have been possible a few years ago had Lowell not invested in automating its […]
Profile tolerancing is one the tools engineers and manufacturers can use to improve production of medical devices. Some customers are hesitant to have their drawing shift from linear +/- dimensioning into profile tolerancing. While profile tolerancing is less common, there are good reasons to consider it. Two of these reasons are reducing the risk of […]
When an engineer designs a device, they design it with intent. This intent includes how it will be used, how it will feel in a surgeon’s hands, and how it will help a patient. Very often, why the part is being created and how it will be used can be lost as a design transitions […]
With growing concerns amid the spread of COVID-19, Lowell is working to ensure the health and safety of our employees and limit any disruption in our service to customers. We are adjusting how we work based on guidelines from agencies monitoring the outbreak, and have taken additional steps and precautions in key areas. Associate Health […]
Medical device manufacturing today means you not only need to produce parts, but also the data that supports the parts. As a manufacturer, it’s essential to know which data points a customer needs at the start of a project so the right data is collected throughout production. Pre-production meetings are one of the best ways […]
When our vice president of automation and technology, Jim Stertz, saw the alert that one of Lowell’s machines had stopped production, he took a closer look. After a quick diagnosis, he restarted the machine and brought production back online. This wouldn’t have been possible a few years ago had Lowell not invested in automating its […]
