3D MIDs integrates more into medical devices, says Harting
Mechatronics allows for the extreme downsizing or miniaturizing of medical applications, enabling examination, sensing, and monitoring from within the patient. Medical devices can therefore be designed to be much less invasive, leading to a significant improvement in patient care. Harting maintained that taking large medical machines and devices and putting them into a more compact package without sacrificing quality is part of 3D-Circuits’ role.
Miniaturisation is one of the most critical trends in healthcare that affects how mechatronics technology is used. These micro actuators and miniature sensors also propel the development of small mechatronics systems for the following applications for handheld diagnostics for use at the point of care, including ultrasound and blood testing. Other uses are in scientific instruments for flow cytometry, DNA identification, pathogen detection and DNA sequencing as well as medical imaging using small, precise modules for lens control and laser tuning, implantable devices that can be dynamically adjusted in-place, mobile miniature robots and micropumps and auto-injectors for drug delivery products.
Harting has realised a microphone carrier in 3D-MID design that aligns the microphones of the hearing aid and at the same time integrates the electrical contact.
By implementing a 3D-MID ring switch in the dental instrument, Harting was able to significantly improve the ergonomics and weight of the instrument while simultaneously reducing the assembly effort.
Harting’s 3D Circuits supports the trend of technological miniaturisation. With a focus on 3D-MID technology, the family-owned company stands internationally for pioneering miniaturisation of components while maintaining full performance by combining electronic and mechanical functions in one component.
Customers operate in the automotive, medical technology as well as industrial and consumer electronics sectors and benefit from in-house production and project management throughout the product development phase.
For manufacturing 3D circuits, Harting has production equipment for every process step – from plastic injection moulding, laser direct structuring, chemical metallisation to assembly and quality assurance.
Many years of experience and complete in-house production enable the interdisciplinary team to create intelligent production concepts and ensures optimised process times – which in turn reduces overall costs.
The company is located in Biel, Switzerland, the heart of the Swiss watch industry, which is also a growing hub for medical device technologies. This location was chosen because in this region people have grown up in a world of micromechanics – generation after generation.
