Six automation systems from suppliers employed in a range of medical and pharmaceutical applications include automated assembly, soldering systems, workbenches and sub-micron assembly.

Contax , the leading independent production automation system specialist, will be exhibiting at the MDT (Medical Device Technology) Show at the NEC, Birmingham, UK, on 15-16 February 2006. On its stand, number 412 in Hall 10, Contax will be presenting six automation solutions from world-class suppliers, which have been employed in a range of medical and pharmaceutical applications. These include: * Komax Systems (formerly Sibos) bespoke automation solutions for automated assembly.

These incorporate a wide range of processes including inspection.

* MTA Automation - specialist soldering and dispensing equipment for stand alone and assembly lines.

* Sigma - lean assembly systems offering an excellent price/performance ratio.

Sigma also offers a range of Manumation optimised (semi-automated) workbenches.

* Sysmelec - assembly machines for very demanding or high precision assembly processes including sub-micron assembly.

* Shuttleworth - cleanroom conveyoring systems.

Highly specialised conveyors that are designed to work with automated technology and offer the option of a variety of devices and specialised rollers to successfully position brittle or fragile products.

Furthermore, all Shuttleworth conveyors feature its Slip-Torque technology which reduces backpressure accumulation and prevents product damage.

* Phoenix|x-ray - 3D inspection systems.

Phoenix|x-ray offers both computed tomography (CT) and 3D laminography systems for 3D inspection.

Its v|tome|x range for microfocus CT can provide ultra high resolution down to 3 micron voxel, with visualisation software offering a range of sophisticated features such as colour filters, morphological segmentations, surface modelling and measurements.

'At MDT 2006, we will be presenting the best of our automation solutions for the medical industry,' said Mike Rapson, managing director at Contax .

'We have had extensive experience in the medical and pharmaceutical arena in the UK and Ireland, and recognise the need for their exacting standards and high level of product customisation,' he said.

'The products on display at MDT represent the 'best of breed' in their class.

For example, we have installed a CT system from phoenix|x-ray at Imperial College to assist in a study into biomaterials, and MTA systems are currently in use at Guidant Corporation, a world leader in the design and development of cardiovascular medical devices.

Our product offerings cover a wide range of processes and applications including: dispensing, curing, inspection and assembly.

The medical industry is facing many challenges now in the move towards greater automation.

Contax has the industry experience and specialised knowledge to guide our customers through the wide range of systems available, and help them select and install those best suited to their needs,' he concluded.

* About Contax - Contax is one of the UK and Ireland's most comprehensive suppliers of automation equipment.

Products range from PCB assembly, automatic optical and x-ray inspection, reflow solder, screen printing, precision liquid dispensing, cable preparation, robotic soldering and robotic assembly as well as cleaning systems.

All of this is backed up by Contax's unique support programme called 'hands-on' and an extensive second user department to fully support their installed base.