AMEDICA is the only medical technology company in the world that has FDA clearance to use medical grade silicon nitride ceramic powder to manufacture revolutionary spinal implants. This requires an extremely high level of hygiene. When processed, however, this fine-as-talc powder infiltrated processing equipment connections and created a consistently powdery atmosphere, threatening the health of AMEDICA’s employees.
BEFORE
The Challenge
The extremely fine silicon nitride ceramic powder could not be contained by the traditional hose clamp system and the constant dust-cloud within the factory meant staff had to wear respirators. There were major hygiene issues with product being caught for long periods of time between the flanges and the connectors, and caked-on powder had to be manually scrubbed off processing equipment.
AFTER
The Solution
The BFM® fitting system, including tailored spigots and replaceable snap-fit sleeves was installed within two weeks from initial consultation. The sealed system created by the BFM® fittings meant no powder was able to escape and the environment is now dust free. Staff no longer need to wear respirators or spend hours manually scrubbing powder off equipment.The Benefits:
Downtime
Fast and efficient cleaning in between product runs means downtime has been significantly reduced.
Hygiene
There is no more dust leakage, eliminating cross contamination of products and reducing general housekeeping costs.
Installation
The simple snap-fit of the BFM® makes changeovers easy, and standard length always fits correctly - no metering accuracy issues.
Health & Safety
No need for tools to remove or install the connector in difficult positions means its much safer for staff to change-over.“From the day I first turned on our bulk powder processing equipment with the BFM® fitting installed, I was amazed. There was no more sand cloud and absolutely zero powder infiltrated from the sleeve. Our employees now work in safer environment, and labour costs have been cut as there is no longer a need for frequent cleaning.” – Jeff Goodell, Director of Facilities and Maintenance for AMEDICA