Instrumentation development and white label manufacturing from Prior Scientific: supporting start-ups and university spin-outs

The automation and positioning experts 

Prior Scientific is globally recognized as a leading automation company, producing advanced motorization upgrades for microscopes.  

However, Prior’s real strength lies in its knowledge, understanding, and ability to manufacture automation products. This can be applied to multi-axis motion systems, high end translation stages, or a diverse array of imaging technologies.  

This enables them to make high-end imaging technologies commercially available to a broad range of users, not just those with a background in microscopy or physics. For example, users who come to the laboratory with their own specialized skill set but lack a deep understanding of imaging. 

To accomplish this, Prior collaborates with clients to transform their innovative research in new imaging modalities into reality: from the early prototypes and testing stages to fully developed commercial products.  

“Our clients are experts in the type of microscopy they're trying to deliver, whereas we have more expertise in giving that technology global reach than an early spin-out does.” Simon Bush – Product Manager, Prior Scientific  

What enables Prior Scientific to support clients’ custom imaging projects from beginning to end? 

There are four key elements to the process: 

1. Dedicated design teams 

2. In-house manufacturing capability 

3. Supply chain 

4. Commercialization 

Design and development 

At the start of each project, Prior assigns a dedicated design team, who will take your concept through to production. Each element of the design is covered:  

1. Mechanical design. This encompasses everything from advanced robotic systems to very small, simple actuators, as well as manual systems, which are essential for user-friendliness. 

2. Optical design.  This includes imaging system design and Prior’s successful laser autofocus system, the PureFocus850. 

3. Electronic design. Developing customized electronics, incorporating Prior’s own systems, or integrating third-party equipment. 

4. Software. Prior develops features required by OEMs as part of their open-access SDK (Software Development Kit), making them easily accessible for customers later on.  

Not all projects begin with design, however – some clients come to Prior with a completed prototype that they have used for proof of concept, or are manufacturing in small numbers and now need to scale up. Prior’s engineering team is adept at transferring technology into production, and can help make improvements to enhance the quality and ease of assembly of our clients' products.  

From prototype to white-label manufacturing 

Unlike most design houses, Prior Scientific’s development team is co-located with the manufacturing facility. This ensures effective communication as the product transitions from prototype to production. 

With nanopositioning capabilities from its Queensgate brand, Prior’s engineering team can ensure movement and positioning accuracy and repeatability to sub-nanometer levels. 

Prior will manufacture and brand the product for the client, and manage ongoing updates and developments as part of a comprehensive product lifecycle service.  

Prior has 4600 m² of manufacturing space, including a high-capacity machine shop. 

Additionally, around half of Prior’s workforce is involved in manufacturing, providing ample support for bringing new concepts to market. The manufacturing sites are ISO accredited: 

• Quality Management (9001:2015) 

• ISO Environment (14001:2015) 

• Health & Safety (45001:2018) 

The machine shop’s CNC machines have been selected to ensure the right mix of high-volume, high-precision output of parts, and give Prior complete control over the quality of the core components that go into its systems. The newest machines can run 24/7 without operator support, while the smaller capacity machines are ideal for prototyping.  

As well as the machine shop, Prior’s manufacturing falls into four areas: 

1. Electronics manufacturing. This is a key area as the fundamentals of mechanical performance rely on electronics design. 

2. Mechanical assembly. Prior is best known for its motorized stages, offering a range of precision and performance to suit many applications. This expertise is transferred to developing systems for clients. Our assemblers are particularly experienced in building two-axis motion systems and work with a variety of drive technologies. 

3. Nanopositioning manufacturing. Prior purchased Queensgate (a spin-out from Imperial College London), enabling them to develop market-leading microscopy devices underpinned by nanopositioning and diversify into more complex fields like atomic force microscopy (AFM) work with the UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL). 

4. Robotics and systems. An advanced systems room for building complete instruments that spin-out clients ultimately receive. This room is also responsible for assembling Prior’s sample loaders and laser autofocus systems.  

Supply Chain Management 

Building an effective supply chain is a big challenge for any start-up. When prototyping your first instruments, managing component purchasing with non-dedicated staff is reasonably easy, but scaling up requires a dedicated purchasing and logistics team.  

Prior streamlines the supply chain for its clients, allowing them to benefit from the simplicity of dealing with a single supplier while gaining access to a global supply chain network.  

Export is another area that can pose a challenge to an early start-up. In addition to an experienced logistics team, Prior has four international offices. The European office provides German-speaking technical liaison and import/export assistance. The offices in the US, China, and Japan give new startups a way to access these key markets. 

“It has been a pleasure working with the dedicated team at Prior Scientific these last few years. There is true value in having an experienced manufacturing partner nearby with a team that we feel we can really rely on to help grow our business and put the best product possible on the market.” - Jelle Penders, Founder and CEO, SPARTA Biodiscovery 

Commercialization and market readiness 

Designing a product that meets specifications is only part of the story. To be a success, the product needs to be commercially viable, and Prior works hard to help its clients with this aspect too. 

“We want to contribute to the commercial success of our clients. When we say ‘partnership’, we really do mean that: working together to develop a new, commercially successful product from start to finish.” Simon Bush – Product Manager, Prior Scientific  

Compliance with the necessary standards is crucial and can be a minefield when approaching it for the first time. Prior’s development team is experienced in testing and ensuring products comply with various regulatory frameworks.  

This includes EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility), CE (Conformité Européenne), which ensures that products meet the strict European electrical safety requirements, as well as various global environmental regulations.  

The precise regulations will depend on both the product and the market it’s intended for. Prior’s process is simple: once the directives for compliance are agreed with the client, Prior takes responsibility for working with the test houses, from delivering the products to supplying engineering documentation, all the way to final sign-off.  

Learn more or discuss your application 

Prior’s experience in manufacturing imaging systems and microscopy components makes them a strong partner for early-stage startups or university spinouts looking to develop their first imaging product.  

To learn more or to discuss your ideas, contact Prior.