PeptiSystems contacted Svekon to develop a machine intended for a lab environment, where researchers can simply produce synthetic peptide chains. Peptides can have many different functions, for example signaling inside and between cells and organs, and are used, among other things, to develop new medicines in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Right from the start, PeptiSystems had a prototype and a relatively clear picture of which functions would be included. Svekon’s mission was to take this further and make a machine with an appealing design, where, among other things, there were requirements for size and weight.

NEEDS

PeptiPilot needed a flexible and lightweight solution, to be able to be placed and handled in existing cupboards and accommodate many bottles and containers. While the machine would have an appealing design and good accessibility, for both use and service, it was essential to minimize the risk of electronics being damaged in the event of a leak. The challenges were above all getting all the electronics into a limited area and that hoses and cables were not riddled with noise.

A LIGHTWEIGHT SOLUTION

The solution was a machine consisting of a two-part milled bottom part, a spill tray, and a bottom tray, a milled top tray, aluminum profiles, side plates, and a back plate. All milled parts are shaped like tubs to be able to collect liquid in the event of a leak, and the spill tray was equipped with leak sensors to detect liquid accumulation quickly.

As there were a lot of electronics in the machine and there was limited space, it was built on top and an internal shelf was inserted to distribute the electronics. The units that were placed on the ground floor were placed on elevations to minimize the risk that they would be damaged in the event of a leak. For easier handling, and to avoid hoses and cabling holes or noise, terminal blocks, and clamps were inserted into the machine.

Software and hardware in interaction

The machine would also be integrated with software developed in parallel by PeptiSystems. Simplified, it is a program that will control the entire process, where the user registers on a computer how much they want of various components. The machine distributes this, which is then mixed in a small mixer that sits on the outside of the panel. A basic prerequisite for success with the project was therefore a close collaboration with the customer, where Svekon also helped design how the electronics would be included in the software.

SEVERAL DIFFERENT SKILLS

To realize PeptiPilot, Svekon has, in addition to industrial design, used electronics engineers for the electrical components, and mechanical design to put the design together and also assisted with documentation to arrange a CE marking of PeptiPilot.

“Svekon has been a perfect partner to PeptiSystems for the development of our instruments. They have been involved from the beginning of the final design work and contributed the necessary expertise e.g. project management, industrial design, mechanical construction, CE marking, qualification of subcontractors, etc. For PeptiSystems, we will want to hire Svekon for our future needs.”

Lars Holmberg, CEO PeptiSystems AB