Originally Published EMDM January/February 2002
EXTRUSION EQUIPMENT
Microsystem coextrudes tubing with outer diameters as small as 0.4 mmMeasuring less than 3m long, a microcoextrusion system enables the production of calibrated 0.4–4-mm-OD tubing from rigid and soft materials. Output ranges from 0.1 to 4.5 kg/hr. Designed primarily for medical applications, the machine is suited for the production of tubing with up to three layers or with radiopaque markers. Gimac (Castronno, VA, Italy) demonstrated the extruder at the recent K 2001 exhibition.
The extrusion system is equipped with an Allen Bradley programmable logic controller and PC touch screen and three microextruders fitted with an ac motor with feedback encoder. A vacuum calibration unit with cooling unit and water recirculation tank is positioned under the support table. A laser gauge to control tubing diameters and a haul-off unit that achieves a maximum speed of 84 m/min are also part of the system. The microextrusion equipment can be supplied with the support table or in discrete elements. A machine suited for four-layer microextrusions is also available.
"Our aim is to be the leader in the field of microextrusion equipment," proclaims company owner Giorgio Maccagnan. To achieve this goal, Maccagnan's firm aggressively pursues emerging technologies and novel applications in the medical arena. "We are currently working on the development of ceramic microextrusions," he explains. "We have a patent on the process in partnership with the University of Bologna in Italy." Although the process is still in the testing phase, Maccagnan anticipates numerous uses for the ceramic microtubes in surgical equipment and related medical applications.
Norbert Sparrow
Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer
