The CustomerOur client’s medical imaging activities date back to the early 1900s when they were pioneers in X-ray technology. By the early 1930s the company was manufacturing medical X-ray equipment in Europe and the United States. Today, our client is a global leader in diagnostic imaging systems, healthcare information technology solutions, and patient monitoring and cardiac devices. In addition, they also provide customer services such as financing, consultancy and maintenance & repair.
The Challenge
Our client’s CT table top is one of Vermont Composites' largest volume medical products. Vermont Composites was internally manufacturing the end molding of the tabletop out of glass / epoxy skins, and the skirt from foam core surrounded by glass/epoxy skins. We were expending high labor and material effort on these pieces, which was impacting product delivery and manufacturing cost in the highly competitive medical imaging market.
The Solution
VCI engineering evaluated changing select components on the non-imaging end of the tabletop to a high density expanded polyurethane foam. We found a supplier of Reaction Injection Molded components that would improve the product. The joint development effort was a win for both customer and supplier.
The Results
Vermont Composites now supplies CT tabletops with:
- Higher dimensional stability.
- Increased damage tolerance in the hospital environment.
- A lower cost process enabling VCI to reduce pricing to its customer.
Why Vermont Composites?
Our client chose Vermont Composites because of our:
- Rapid Response to engineering problems.
- Superior Designs that keep costs contained.
- A Partnership/Team Approach to problem solving with our customers.