GX helped Modern Water re-design the Microtox® LX - a highly technical and precise water and environmental testing instrument.
The Challenge
Modern Water is the leading global provider of mobile and point-of-use water and environmental testing technology, which uses bioluminescent bacteria across all its products for detection.
GX has worked with Modern Water as a design, production and servicing partner for a number of years. The relationship began with the production of the Microtox® CTM – a site-based system that enables continuous, automated detection of thousands of chemicals.
A few years ago, as part of a major restructure, the production of Modern Water’s smaller instruments – the lab-based Microtox® LX and the field-based Microtox® FX – was to be relocated from the US to the UK. Naturally, GX was approached to help.
The Solution
The Microtox® LX is a highly technical and precise scientific instrument, with no margin for error in production. Given the niche market and relatively low volumes, this brought unique challenges.
Because tooling wasn’t feasible, each unit had to be hand-built using specially sourced parts. In addition, since the original machines were made in the US, every specification was imperial and needed reconfiguring to metric. Finding direct replacements for many components, such as the semiconductors, also proved impossible.
As a result, the GX team had to completely deconstruct the unit and redesign it in a modernised way, while preserving its core functionality. Often, replacing one part caused a ripple effect, requiring modifications to interconnecting components.
Fortunately, GX is an experienced and committed team, and we only work with like-minded partners, such as the electronics specialists that helped us reconfigure and redesign the entire electrics system.
The Result
The LX project was an exceptional challenge – a genuine feat of adaptation engineering. But we’re delighted to say that over twelve months, the GX team overcame every hurdle, keeping Modern Water informed and allowing time for considered decision-making every step of the way.
Modern Water has since launched the updated LX, with the first units shipped in December 2024. Each one was built and quality-checked in-house by GX.
We are proud to have helped Modern Water achieve its goal of relocating production to the UK, while further enhancing a market-leading solution for water quality management.
To learn more about GX Group’s product design, value engineering and system development services call +44 (0)1291 673437 or email us, and a member of our team will be in touch.