Material Expertise and Smart Automation for the Mistral-Air MA1200
Medical applications demand more than precision alone. For the Mistral-Air MA1200, a system that maintains patients' body temperature using warm air, ENBI manufactured a range of plastic and LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber) components for many years. Working closely with development partners, ENBI contributed its expertise in material selection, technical manufacturability, and process automation. A great example of how ENBI translates technical challenges into smart, manufacturable solutions.
Technical Challenges Call for Collaboration
During the development and production of the Mistral-Air MA1200, ENBI worked closely with an external design agency. The challenge? Creating a range of plastic components that met demanding requirements for material performance, precision, and durability in use.
From housing components designed to withstand impact, heat, and intensive cleaning to precisely fitting internal components. Each part required the right balance between functionality, material selection, and manufacturability.
The Right Material for Every Function
PC/ABS was selected for the housing components, with a focus on impact resistance and fire safety in accordance with the UL 94 V-0 classification. The flexible orange clip ring was manufactured from PA (polyamide).
PC/ASA was used for the black volute housing, or fan housing, and other black components, selected for the properties required by this application.
Finishing also required technical expertise. Various components were manufactured in specific brand colors. To achieve this, ENBI worked with material suppliers to develop the right color compounds. In addition, ensuring the printed surfaces could withstand cleaning agents and disinfectants presented another important technical consideration.
From Manual Operations to Integrated Automation
During production, multiple brass threaded inserts had to be accurately fitted into plastic components. What initially started as a manual operation was subsequently integrated by ENBI into an automated process.
A robot removed the components directly from the injection molding machine and transferred them to a unit where multiple inserts were heat-staked simultaneously. To support production, ENBI also invested in a 660-ton injection molding machine.
Production was carried out in accordance with the applicable UL requirements. This brought injection molding technology and automation together in an efficient and repeatable production process.
Technical Solutions That Make a Difference
The Mistral-Air MA1200 has since been succeeded by a new generation. For ENBI, the project remains a great example of what reliable technical collaboration can achieve.
From selecting the right materials to developing a reliable, efficient, and automated production process. The knowledge and experience ENBI gained throughout this project continue to provide a foundation for new technical challenges today.
Because ENBI's strength lies not only in manufacturing plastic components, but above all in helping develop the right solution behind them.
Unseen, yet essential!
