The Pulse on Automation: Tube Talk ATS Life Science Systems

Ken Caflisch is a lead machine builder and is imparting his wisdom as an assembly expert to the next generation at ATS in Chicago. Clients have done the math and know how many parts they need off a machine every minute to justify the cost of the machine. Inspired by innovation, indexing, and The Big Bang Theory, Ken and the team work to get more seconds out of a minute and make machines deliver what the customers want.

Ben Hope, Director, Product Commercialization for SuperTrak CONVEYANCE, Matt Park, Marketing Manager, After Sales & Service, and Mateus de Camargo Jonas, Systems Design Engineer Team Lead, discuss innovation in linear motion technology and the use of manufacturing data to enable high-speed and complex tooling. Tune in to hear how actionable and predictive technology creates value-add in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and ROI.

Joining the podcast are Dan Cremer and Alex Folz. Dan has been with ATS since 2005 with a career spanning project management, operations and sales leadership. Alex has over five years' experience in systems design at ATS Chicago. He's been the lead on multiple tube set assembly programs in addition to innovation projects at the showcase Innovation Center in Cambridge, Ontario. Dan discusses growth in the tube set market, including expected home use applications, while Alex tackles microplastics, skilled operators, and delivering a higher quality product.

Paul Nordin rejoins the podcast. Paul has spent many years in the operation side of the business at ATS Chicago, working in Project Management and now as Director of Applications. Paul shares the challenge a customer presented: They were producing 120 PPM but needed to scale up to 180 without a commensurate increase in cleanroom footprint. Their capital equipment ROI would not pay for two machines. Removing cams and adding new technology solved some problems but introduced others. Find out how tension and an 'infinite' blade helped deliver the solution.

Ken Cooley arrived at ATS Chicago directly out of college, and in five years has rocketed through the ranks to his current position of Engineering Manager. On his journey he was the mechanical engineering lead on successful projects including expedited equipment to manufacture COVID tests. Today, Ken talks about the way he looks for sustainability and cost saving innovations in tooling, including new ways to create motion, eliminating solvents, and using data to prove long-term efficiency.

Paul Nordin is the second longest tenured employee at ATS Life Sciences Chicago; he spent many years in the operations side of the business, working from Project Manager up to Director of Project Management. For the last six years he's supported the front end of the business as Director of Applications. In this episode, Paul discusses floor space, operator fatigue, bad parts, reputational risk, and the importance of a good cut.