From challenge to innovation: The Summox Smart Container, a game-changer in infection control
Summox is a pioneer in innovative infection control within the dental sector. The Summox One System is a groundbreaking all-in-one device that cleans, disinfects, and sterilizes dental instruments, while ensuring validation, documentation, and full traceability. A crucial part of this innovation is the Summox Smart Container, designed to optimize workflow in dental practices. ENBI Plastics & Silicones played a key role in the development and production of these high-performance containers.
Sterilization and vacuum retention
The challenge in producing the Summox Smart Container lay in its unique functional and technical requirements. The container had to withstand high sterilization temperatures and hold a vacuum for several days. This placed very high requirements on material selection, design, and production precision. A further challenge was that the design process was already complete, and the three molds had already been manufactured. The collaboration with ENBI began with the need for a partner with technical expertise, precision manufacturing, and a solution-oriented approach.
Making design and material perform under extreme conditions
During the co-engineering phase, the ENBI project team mapped the full scope of the challenge. The container consists of three parts: one frame and two 2K lids made of hard and soft components. Each part plays a specific role in ensuring the container’s reliability and functionality. In this phase, solution paths were defined for design, material selection, and production methods.
In the pre-engineering phase, several case studies were conducted to test the most suitable solutions. For the frame, the choice was a specially formulated medical-grade plastic, durable, heat-resistant, and essential for sterilization. The RFID tag, crucial for traceability and automation, is attached to the frame after molding using ultrasonic welding, ensuring a reliable connection.
Automated production: The key to flawless vacuum performance
Producing the 2K lids brought additional challenges. The combination of hard and soft materials made vacuum performance challenging, since even minimal deformation could affect functionality. A fully automated process, from demolding to curing, proved essential. Project Engineer Automation Pim developed an automated workflow where the lids are placed on a bending station immediately after molding. This process corrects minor deformations by applying the optimal balance of pressure and time, with utmost precision. The result: a reliable, efficient process with lids that meet all required standards.
The innovative process developed by ENBI aligns perfectly with Summox’s vision of putting reliability and sustainability at the forefront. Thanks to ENBI’s technical solutions, the Summox Smart Container not only meets all functional requirements but also required no design trade-offs and allowed the use of the already manufactured molds.
A smart solution making a big difference
This project highlights ENBI’s core philosophy: 'Unseen, yet essential.' While the container may seem small at first glance, it is a crucial link in the Summox One System. ENBI’s innovative solutions and technical expertise are the silent driving force behind Summox’s advanced infection control.
Through this collaboration, Summox and ENBI showed that technical innovation and partnership can deliver groundbreaking results. We thank Summox for their trust and look forward to future joint innovations.
