Medical Tube Assembly in Minimal (Clean) Space
In their new system, the automation experts at Ernst Knoll Feinmechanik GmbH have succeeded in integrating all the standard process steps required for assembling single-use medical products into minimal space. This is especially important when these systems—as is usually the case—are installed in a cleanroom, where every square meter is valuable.
The assembly of single-use medical tubing sets is still frequently carried out by hand. Automation comes with certain requirements. First, tubes are so-called flexible parts, meaning that handling and assembly steps demand specific expertise. Second, assembly usually takes place in a cleanroom, where floor space is many times more expensive than in standard production areas. “We often hear: There’s still some space available in the cleanroom. Can you build a system to fit there?” says Matthias Ruh, member of the management team and Head of Knoll Automation. “That showed us exactly where we can support our customers: saving space, saving costs, and creating value in the smallest possible space.” In practical terms, this calls for automation solutions that assemble tubes and other components reliably and in a way that can be validated, while occupying as little space as possible.
All Essential Steps in One Compact System
In numerous individual projects, the team at Knoll Automation has consistently applied its expertise in working within minimal space, gaining extensive experience in designing compact systems. Building on this foundation, the team developed a standard system optimized for minimal space. Within 1.6 m × 1.6 m, up to six stations are integrated, each capable of executing multiple process steps. This covers the assembly of common single-use medical tubing sets: unwinding the tube, cutting to length, feeding, forming a coil, pushing on additional components, or mounting them (with or without solvent). From this baseline, the system can be adapted to the number of process steps needed, doubling or halving the space required.
Tailored Where It Matters
Whether standardized or not – each system is tailored to the specific conditions, to the assembly in question, and integrated into the customer’s processes. This includes topics such as selecting grippers to match tube diameters or deciding whether the tube is fed from a spool or from bundled pre-cut lengths, and more. “Where required, we can also provide process information that supports validation or system monitoring,” adds Ruh. “For example, during an assembly process we can monitor insertion and mounting depth through torque curves and image documentation.”
From 17 to 20 November 2025, Knoll Automation will present its solutions at Compamed in Düsseldorf. The team will be available for questions and discussions in Hall 8b, Stand L36. Come and visit us. Free tickets are available by emailing sales@knoll-feinmechanik.de. We look forward to seeing you!
