Apollo – InBio’s ambient air sampling device
The Challenge
Apollo is an innovative ambient air sampling device used for measuring airborne allergens. GX worked on the development and manufacture of the Apollo device for InBio, an allergen research company based in Cardiff.
Developed to simplify air sampling for the Indoor Air Quality industry, the device has a removable filter that collects airborne allergens, endotoxins, and other airborne contaminants, and can be removed and sent off for laboratory testing.
Simple to use and whisper-quiet, the device is suitable for use in homes, schools, laboratories, and workplaces.
GX initially designed and built 50 versions of the device, with the plastic parts being manufactured through vacuum casting. These were so well received that InBio asked us to explore options for large-scale manufacture. Our design team carried out a thorough cost analysis to assess the most efficient and cost-effective way to scale up production.
The Solution
Injection moulding turned out to be the best option, but it meant adapting some elements of the design to suit the manufacturing process. This is something members of our design team are quite used to dealing with and take in their stride.
Since InBio required 200 units in their second run, we planned to assemble these inhouse. We worked closely with a tried and tested manufacturing partner in China to produce the bespoke plastic components required for the device. Careful consideration was given to the materials being used to ensure the device would meet required safety standards.
Staged approval phases allowed our designers to carefully check and refine designs throughout the process, ensuring the end product would be exactly as required. The parts were delivered within the desired timeframe, along with other elements such as electronic components, resistors, and LEDs, ready to be assembled in house.
In addition to the design and development of the Apollo device, GX also arranged for it to be tested and approved at an external testing laboratory before proceeding with manufacturing, and organised branding and packaging.
The Result
The finished Apollo ambient air sampling devices have now been completed and delivered to InBio ready to dispatch to their clients. The whole project has gone very smoothly, and everyone is delighted with the end result, agreeing that it is easy to use, looks modern and smart, and fully meets the required specification.
GX Design Engineer Ruairidh Keeley, who managed the project from start to finish, said; “We are delighted to have worked with InBio on the Apollo project. Clear communication between all parties involved was key to the success of this project. It helped ensure that timelines were adhered to and that the end product fully meets the agreed specification. We are looking forward to the next step now, which will be to further scale-up production of the Apollo to meet predicted demand.”