A microplate reader, also known as an ELISA reader, is an instrument used to detect the optical properties of samples in microplates. It is widely used in biology, chemistry, and medical fields, particularly in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), cell proliferation assays, and nucleic acid and protein quantification.

What are the precision components of a microplate reader:

The microplate reader contains a variety of precision mechanical components. These components include gears for transmitting motion and power, lead screws for converting rotational motion into linear motion, bearings for supporting rotating parts, linear guides for providing a straight motion path, motors for driving mechanical movements, couplings for connecting motors and drive components, springs for providing necessary pressure and rebound force, screws and nuts for fastening and adjusting parts, washers for distributing pressure, belts and pulleys for transmitting rotational motion, elastic mounts for shock absorption and vibration isolation, and limit switches for detecting and controlling the endpoints of movement.

Manufacturing Methods for Precision Components of a Microplate Reader:

Gears

Material Selection: Commonly used metals such as steel or brass, and plastics such as nylon.

Processing Techniques: Gear manufacturing typically involves casting, forging, machining (milling, grinding), gear hobbing, and heat treatment processes.

Lead Screws

Material Selection: High-strength steel or stainless steel.

Processing Techniques: Turning is used to form the basic thread shape, followed by precision grinding to achieve high-accuracy threads, and finally heat treatment to enhance strength and wear resistance.

Bearings

Material Selection: High-carbon chromium bearing steel or stainless steel.

Processing Techniques: Bearing manufacturing includes precision turning, heat treatment, grinding, and assembly. Balls or rollers are ground and polished to achieve extremely high roundness and surface finish.

Linear Guides

Material Selection: Tool steel or stainless steel.

Processing Techniques: Precision sliding surfaces are produced through turning, grinding, and heat treatment.

Motors

Material Selection: Includes copper wire, silicon steel sheets, magnetic materials, and high-strength plastics.

Processing Techniques: Coil winding, magnet installation, housing injection molding or die casting, motor assembly, and testing.

Couplings

Material Selection: Aluminum alloy, steel, or engineering plastic.

Processing Techniques: Turning, milling, and precision assembly processes, with attention to high concentricity and torque transmission capability.

Springs

Material Selection: High-carbon steel, alloy steel, or stainless steel.

Processing Techniques: Springs are manufactured through winding, heat treatment, shot peening, and surface treatment.

Screws and Nuts

Material Selection: Steel, stainless steel, or brass.

Processing Techniques: Cold heading, turning, thread rolling, and heat treatment.

Washers

Material Selection: Steel, stainless steel, copper, or plastic.

Processing Techniques: Stamping, cutting, and heat treatment.

Belts and Pulleys

Material Selection: Rubber, polyurethane (belts), and aluminum, steel, or plastic (pulleys).

Processing Techniques: Belts are produced through molding and extrusion, while pulleys are made through turning, milling, and precision machining.

Elastic Mounts

Material Selection: Rubber, polyurethane, or silicone.

Processing Techniques: Molding and vulcanization processes, ensuring good elasticity.

Limit Switches

Material Selection: Includes metal contacts and plastic housings.

Processing Techniques: Precision injection molding, stamping, assembly, and testing.

How to Choose a Factory for Medical Equipment Parts Processing and Surface Treatment？

When selecting a parts processing factory for the medical industry, it is advisable to choose factories that primarily focus on medical business. These factories have accumulated extensive experience in medical parts and can offer assistance in the early stages of your project, such as optimizing structures, recommending materials, suggesting processing methods, and reducing costs. Moreover, these factories are familiar with the specific characteristics and quality management requirements of the medical industry and can respond quickly with the necessary inspection reports.

However, for a more specific selection, ensure the factory has a robust quality management system, such as the ISO 13485 Medical Devices Quality Management System. Consider the implementation of this system, the quality control of parts, processing equipment and services, and delivery reliability comprehensively.

If you are looking for a manufacturer of medical equipment parts, choose AbleMed. We specialize in the precision machining of medical industry parts, particularly for medical robots, medical laboratory equipment, and clinical diagnostic instruments. We can provide surface treatments that do not fade under hydrogen peroxide low-temperature plasma sterilization. Contact us at Contact us at linna@ablemedicaldevice.com or call +86 173 2215 6162.

FAQ:

What aspects should be considered in the processing of parts for medical laboratory equipment?

In the processing of parts for medical laboratory equipment, special attention should be paid to high precision and tolerance control, material selection, surface treatment, cleanliness and deburring, heat treatment, sealing, chemical resistance, biocompatibility, temperature control requirements, repeatability, and consistency.

Is there a requirement for machining experience for parts of medical laboratory equipment?

Yes, there is a requirement. Factories with extensive experience in machining medical parts can effectively respond to the entire project in terms of system, cost control, precision and quality, service, and delivery.

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