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Ventilator Challenge UK

British engineering firms were called on to switch to making medical ventilators as concern grew about the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.  This follows an appeal by Boris Johnson, who held an emergency conference appealing for an urgent effort to address the national shortage.

Challenges 

  • Manufacture samples of 3 Ventilator components within 2 days.
  • Communication with Rolls-Royce on the requirements and quality approval for the Smiths Medical Ventilator (No face to face).
  • Meet demanding requirements to ensure high quality standards and tight lead-times.

Solutions

  • Prioritise this business through sample/initial submission phase.
  • Establish supply chain for PEM and special purpose inserts.
  • Project manage through daily video calls.
  • Collection of inserts from Portsmouth Hoverport
  • Prioritise production with overtime/weekend working
  • Contact CMM program for in process inspection (share data for approval).

Impacts 

  • Prototypes/samples for testing and setting up production line in 2 days
  • Received volume production order for 2000 parts for urgent delivery.
  • Supplied product in deliveries over 2 – 4 weeks (Quality approved).
  • Supported product of Ventilators at Smiths Medical/Rolls-Royce.

Added Value

  • Provided an alternative supply chain for critical Ventilator components achieving 100% conformity.
  • Gained fast track approval with high level project management with no face to face meetings in an incredibly short timeframe.
  • Supported other areas of the Ventilator UK supply chain with technical requirements based on lessons learnt during ramp up.
H V Wooding are proud to be a part of the #VentilatorChallengeUK consortium to manufacture vital ventilators assisting with the pandemic

Our Technical Manager, Simon Stewart checking the vital ventilator components for compliance.

 

Read more about our Quality checks.

Laser Cutting

Precision fibre laser cutting for copper, aluminium, steel and brass. We produce accurate busbars, laminations and components with fast turnaround and ISO-certified quality.

Wire Erosion

We manufacture a wide range of components, from prototypes and small batches for Formula 1 to full-scale production for multinational companies. Our work spans aerospace, medical, research, automotive, electric and hybrid vehicles, and defence. With over 40 years of Wire EDM expertise, we deliver ±5 micron precision and rapid turnaround across the UK.

Presswork & Tooling

Precision presswork and metal stamping, delivered in volume and on time. With over 55 years’ experience, we supply cost-effective solutions to leading names in electrical switchgear, electronics, power generation, medical, marine and automotive industries.

Busbar Manufacture

H V Wooding specializes in the production of copper, aluminium, and cuponal busbars for use in switchgear components, control panels, panel boards, fusegear, and transformers, catering to a diverse range of industries including Switchgear, Railway, Renewable Energy, Marine, Data Centre, and Power Electronics sectors.

Electroplating

In-house electroplating in tin, zinc, nickel and silver. Rack and barrel options, with lab and X-ray testing to ensure coating accuracy, durability and quality.

Assembly

Mechanical, busbar and general sub-assembly services. Welding, fitting, packaging and line-side delivery with ISO-certified quality and cost-effective outsourcing from H V Wooding.

Medical & Surgical

From providing life critical, high volume, pressed Medical ventilator heater plates, to complex Titanium Spinal Implants, to Cancer probe Electrodes, we offer over 50 years of experience supplying to a wide, diverse range of customers in the Medical sector.

Science & Research

We have gained a solid reputation for the supply of magnet assembly low carbon steel Yokes and stainless steel Collar laminations for prototype and upgrades to the Hadron Collider. Customers include; CERN, CEA, Elytt and Brookhaven.

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Main case studies page