Thanks to their repeatability and reliability, Fanuc injection moulding machines have become a cornerstone of Sovrin Medical Plastics’ business strategy.
Over the last two decades, Sovrin has built up a fleet of 34 Fanuc Roboshot machines that are used to make medical devices and components. In all that time, the Slough-based contract manufacturer cannot recall the last time an unplanned breakdown occurred – a testament to the machines’ durability, especially as the moulding cells operate 24/7 for 50 weeks of the year. Some of the oldest units have completed over 40,000,000 cycles.
James Joiner, Managing Director of Sovrin Medical Plastics, highlights the significance of this robust performance: “We simply don’t experience downtime with the ROBOSHOT machines. Their reliability and repeatability have been so consistent that, after 20 years, we can’t even recall the last time we had a breakdown. At this point, we take their performance for granted – reliability is just a given.” For Sovrin, this dependability transforms daily operations and reduces risk, which is crucial in contract manufacturing.
Engineering Director Adrian Hill attributes this impressive record to FANUC’s engineering and planned maintenance approach. “FANUC is unique in that it develops and manufactures its own OEM parts and has done for many years – a vertically integrated approach that is a major contributor to the high uptime and long lifespan of its machines. When we buy a FANUC model, we know exactly what we are getting; from one machine to another, the only thing that changes is the tonnage. The motors and drives are the same and if you open the control cabinets, you’ll see FANUC components,” he said. This consistency helps Sovrin maintain streamlined operations and minimise disruptions.
James added: “Being able to rely on proven engineering is essential to our business because it mitigates risk, something that is crucial to us as a contract manufacturer. The fact we can say we are a FANUC user is also a key selling point for potential customers. Procurement people who have done their homework will know that FANUC is the golden standard in our industry.” Sovrin’s reputation benefits from both efficient production and the prestige of using FANUC technology.
Adrian notes that Sovrin works closely with FANUC’s servicing department to schedule annual maintenance and ensure optimal performance. “Every machine is serviced annually and, during these visits, FANUC’s engineers highlight any maintenance that is needed. Much of their machines’ reliability comes down to this methodical approach,” he said.
Sovrin acquired its first five ROBOSHOT machines in 2005 for a project producing dry powder inhalers during the bird flu pandemic, marking the company’s shift from traditional hydraulic machines to FANUC’s clean, energy-efficient all-electric technology. Today, Sovrin’s moulding cells run continuously, producing high-precision medical components while maintaining a level of uptime that is virtually unrivalled in the industry.