california Archives - Page 15 of 17 - Means Engineering, Inc.

Creating High Quality Medical Devices

February 2, 2018 By meiadmin

Creating High Quality Medical Devices

The medical industry is constantly changing. New medical devices are created at an alarming rate. It’s crucial that the companies creating these devices are able to keep up with the latest technology. Medical devices perform a wide variety of extremely important jobs. Any malfunction or failure can be disastrous.

Medical devices are hardware or software used to treat human beings or diagnose disease. This also includes devices that have a profound effect on patient safety and risk management. Means Engineering, Inc. designs, creates and tests electronic devices for the medical industry. We strive to produce only the highest quality products. We are an ISO 13485-certified contract manufacturer. This ensures the durability and reliability of every product we produce.

Medical Device Regulations

It can be extremely difficult for companies to bring new products to market. This is especially true for medical devices, which must meet a wide range of regulatory standards. These standards are put in place to ensure that medical devices are safe and effective.

A thorough understanding of medical device regulations is crucial if companies wish to succeed in the medical industry. Most of these regulations revolve around Quality Management System (QMS) and risk management principles.

Regulations change rapidly. It’s up to the manufacturer to understand and implement all necessary changes. Using a contract manufacturer to handle the design and production of medical devices can help reduce costs and ensure compliance.

Contract manufacturers keep up with the latest technologies and techniques. They understand the various medical device regulations. They have the equipment, people and space necessary to consistently produce high quality products.

ISO 13485 Certified CM

ISO 13485 is the international standard for medical device manufacturers. Compliance with ISO 13485 helps minimize risk, reduce costs, increase customer satisfaction, increase sales and improve control over processes and internal systems. Certification also allows companies to access new markets and attract new clients.

Means Engineering offers contract manufacturing for a wide range of industries. We work directly with our clients to design, manufacture and test a variety of products. Please contact us for more information about medical device contract manufacturing services.

Turning Ideas Into Reality

January 19, 2018 By meiadmin

Turning Ideas Into Reality

When companies have an idea for a new product, they need the tools and equipment necessary to turn that idea into a reality. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs and start-ups simply do not have the resources necessary to bring new products to market. In these situations, enlisting the help of a qualified contract manufacturer is often necessary.

A contract manufacturer helps with the design, production and testing of a variety of new products. These services benefit businesses of every shape and size across a wide range of industries. Contract manufacturers can even help large companies with new product introductions (NPI) and fulfilling orders during periods of high demand.

Choosing a CM to Work With

The contract manufacturer you work with is responsible for creating products under your company’s label or brand. It’s important to remember that your reputation is on the line with every product produced. Poor quality products can destroy your company’s image, while high quality products increase trust in your brand.

When choosing a contract manufacturer to work with, it’s crucial that you thoroughly research the companies you are considering. Select a contract manufacturer with experience in a variety of industries. They should have strict policies for quality control and a track record for providing consistent, high quality work.

Keep the following in mind when choosing a contract manufacturer.

Price

Be wary of a contract manufacturer that offers to complete your project at a much lower price than their competitors. It might be possible that the price they are offering does not include all of the necessities for your project. It could also mean that they are using poor quality materials.

However, a higher price tag isn’t always indicative of a higher quality product. Always make sure that you compare specifications from each company you are considering. It will be much easier to choose a company to work with once you fully understand the materials and workmanship you’ll be receiving for your money.

Quality Over Quantity

No matter which company you choose to work with, it will always be true that the more you purchase, the less each piece will cost. However, it’s crucial that you only order what you need. Purchasing more than you require wastes resources and uses up valuable storage space.

Specify Your Requirements

Your contract manufacturer relies on a set of specifications to create your products. These specifications include material type, size, color, etc. If you do not clearly specify your requirements you could end up with stacks of useless product.

Before choosing a contract manufacturer to work with, make sure that you are comfortable discussing the details of your project. Keep in mind that communication could mean the difference between success and failure.

Top 4 Things to Look For in Contract Manufacturer

January 12, 2018 By meiadmin

Top 4 Things to Look For in Contract Manufacturer

Both small and mid-size companies sometimes find it difficult to meet the increasing demand of the electronics industry. These businesses often do not have the space, people, technology or equipment to fulfill large orders or produce new products. Instead, they must outsource production to a contract manufacturer.

A contract manufacturer can help with the design, production and testing of electronic products. An experienced contract manufacturer has the proper technology and equipment to complete large and/or difficult orders.

When selecting a contract manufacturer to work with, it’s important to ensure the company you choose can help keep your customers satisfied and your business growing. There are a few things you should look out for when hiring a contract manufacturer. Let’s take a look at the top 4.

Experience

When selecting a contract manufacturer, you will want to make sure that they have the skills and experience necessary to produce your products. They should have experience working with a variety of industries. They should have a reputation for providing consistent, high quality products. Highly trained individuals should operate the company and demand the same level of excellence from their staff.

Flexibility

The needs of your business can change. While you might only require assistance with the production of products in high demand now, you might need help with new product development later. The best contract manufacturers will offer a variety of services on an as-needed basis.

Up-to-date Technology

In order to remain competitive in the electronics industry, you need to be able to provide cutting-edge products. Choose a contract manufacturer who stays up-to-date with techniques, technology, industry standards and equipment.

Quality Control

The quality of your products says a lot about your business. High quality products increase consumer trust in your brand. It’s crucial to work with a contract manufacturer with a comprehensive Quality Management System. This helps ensure the reliability and quality of products produced.

Means Engineering, Inc. offers high quality contract manufacturing services to a variety of industries. We offer a wide range of services including design, production and testing. We are an ISO 9001 and AS 9100 certified Southern California contract manufacturer.

Electronic Manufacturing Trends

January 5, 2018 By meiadmin

Electronic Manufacturing Trends

Every year, new trends affect the way that electronics are produced. These trends include electronic devices getting smaller and more efficient as well as the demand for greater connectivity. There are several electronic manufacturing trends that are expected to become increasingly important over the next few years.

The top manufacturing trends for 2018 include increased sustainability of manufacturing facilities and improved air quality management. It’s important for electronics manufacturers to keep up-to-date with these trends if they wish to remain competitive in the industry.

Increased Sustainability of Manufacturing Facilities

As the cost of production continues to rise, it’s crucial that electronics manufacturers maintain a sustainable facility. Manufacturing equipment and software can cost a significant amount of money. Purchasing energy-efficient equipment might cost more at the outset, but could save your company in the long run.

In addition to maintaining energy efficient equipment, it’s important to maintain a cost-effective building as well. This requires a commitment from your entire team. You must invest in the best practices and ensure energy efficiency across all areas of production.

Air Quality Management

Dust presents a number of challenges for electronics manufacturers. Contaminants can affect both the production process and the products produced. Dust particles can cause electrostatic charges, which can short out electronic components.

Dust can absorb and release moisture as needed. This allows dust particles to remain suspended in the air. These airborne contaminants create a potential risk to production and pose a health hazard to humans. The dust created from the production of electronic devices and components can be toxic.

Proper air quality management is essential to electronics manufacturing. Evaporative humidification/cooling systems provide an effective way to reduce dust contamination in manufacturing facilities.

Improving Your Production Facility

Producing electronic products can be challenging for manufacturers. Maintaining a sustainable facility and increasing air quality management might seem like a lot when faced with the pressures involved with producing high quality electronic products. Hiring a contract manufacturing can help ease your workload while you take the necessary steps to improve your facility. A reliable contract manufacturer can help you design, produce and test a wide variety of products.

Silicon Use in Electronics

November 3, 2017 By meiadmin

Silicon Use in Electronics

Most modern day electronics contain silicon. This important semiconductor material is used to power a wide variety of electronic devices from supercomputers to microwave ovens.

In its pure state, silicon resembles aluminum. Silicon wafers are commonly used as a substrate for microelectronic devices. These devices are built in or over the wafer.

What is silicon?

Silicon is a chemical element found in both sand and glass. It is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Silicon is typically found compounded with other elements. Silicon elements are able to bind atoms tightly and in complex arrangements. The abundance of silicon makes it inexpensive and easy to acquire. This is the biggest reason why silicon is the most widely used semiconductor material.

What is a semiconductor?

Semiconductors are able to conduct electricity under certain conditions and act as an insulator under others. In its pure form, silicon acts as an insulator. Adding impurities changes the electrical properties of silicon. This process is known as doping. Semiconductors are treated with a variety of dopants to change the material’s resistance.

How is silicon manufactured?

Silicon wafers are used in the production of a wide range of electronic components. These wafers are created through a complex manufacturing process. Silicon manufacturing involves the production of metallurgical silicon, which is converted into trichlorosilane then purified and decomposed with hydrogen. This process creates a poly-silicon rod, which is crystallized and cut into wafers.

Why is silicon the most commonly used semiconductor material?

Although there are other semiconductor materials available today, silicon is the most commonly used. There are a many reasons silicon is the preferred material for electronic devices. Perhaps the most obvious is the abundance of silicon in the Earth’s crust. Silicon can be obtained through extremely effective extraction and purification methods. In addition to its availability, silicon forms a nice stable oxide and is relatively strong and easy to handle. The abundance of silicon makes it possible to create wafers of all shapes and sizes, no matter how big or small the requirement. These and other reasons make silicon the best choice for electronic devices.