Originally Published EMDM May/June 2002
ASSEMBLY EQUIPMENT
Small-capacity adhesive dispenser reduces material waste
High-performance adhesives with a short pot life can create a sticky situation for medical device OEMs. Because device assembly operations often require very small deposits, two-part epoxies and other premium adhesives with a short shelf life may harden before they can be used up. To reduce material waste in these types of applications, EFD International (Dunstable, Beds, UK) has developed the Mikros, a dispenser with a small-capacity reservoir that allows manufacturers to mix adhesives in small batches. The product premiered at the Medical Design & anufacturing West 2002 show in Anaheim, CA, USA.
The Mikros comprises a lightweight aluminium handle and a disposable reservoir tip. The reservoirs are fitted with a 30-, 32-, or 33-gauge stainless-steel dispensing needle that has a 0.25-cm3 capacity. The device is designed for use with the company's microprocessor-controlled pneumatic dispensers. Together, the pen and dispenser form a system that can produce consistent adhesive deposits as small as 0.007 in. diam.
"We see the medical device sector as one of the core markets for this product," says business development manager Terrence Woldorf. "The Mikros will enable manufacturers who use adhesives with a short shelf life to waste less material and to reduce production costs." If the product is a hit, fluids suppliers at some point may provide prefilled cartridges for use with the device, he adds.
Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer
