Originally Published EMDM May/June 2002
MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT
Suture-cutting machine designed for cleanroom operationAn automatic suture-cutting machine for absorbable polyglycol-acid (PGA) sutures is the brainchild of MEDTEC exhibitor Marcel Sonderegger, managing director of Sonderegger Engineering AG (Schaffhausen, Switzerland). The Fibapic, which seals suture ends to avoid blooming, is maintenance free, requiring neither additives nor glue.
Sonderegger explains that the machine was designed for operation in a cleanroom environment. He notes that heat stiffening—required to maintain a constant tension—is an integral part of the suture-cutting process. "I've seen windy cleanrooms—that's the worst, since the airflow affects heat stiffening," he says, adding that the Fibapic features isolated climate conditioning. The machine also has a small footprint (900 x 600 x 1800 mm), which helps to conserve cleanroom space.
A stainless-steel case surrounding the cutter prevents dust and airflow from entering the sealing and cutting unit. Special design options, including total quality control and oblique cut, are available. The Fibapic can cut multifilament PGA sutures, monofilament sutures, or other suture types upon testing.
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