Medical Device Link.

Originally Published EMDM November/December 2002

SPOTLIGHT

Extrusions

A proprietary extrusion process makes it possible to vary tube ID, OD, or wall thickness, as well as the configuration, number, and location of lumens, without the use of adhesives or secondary operations. The firm's equipment can make the transition from a multichannel rod to multilumen tubing, then to single-lumen tubing and back to a multichannel rod in a continuous process with no connectors or seams. By transitioning back and forth from one cross section to another, the system can produce greater quantities than an insert moulding operation. Specialty Silicone Fabricators Inc., Paso Robles, CA, USA.

Flexible medical components

A company manufactures catheters, tubing, and related flexible medical devices for anaesthesia, urology, and surgery. Numerous materials are processed; many products are available in latex-free formulations. The firm specializes in processing varied materials such as silicone, polyurethane, latex, PVC, and rubber. Rüsch International, Kernen, Germany.

Tube-cutting machine

With high cut rates and superb accuracy, the Servo-Torq Ultra extrusion cutter uses digitally controlled ac servomotors to activate its "flying knife" rotary cutting action. This technology eliminates the need for a clutch and brake, and substantially reduces maintenance requirements. The cutter also features blade lubrication; high, adjustable blade speeds; a menu-driven operation panel with function key activation; and a robust design that complies with all safety and CE requirements. Peter Gillard & Co. Ltd., Tewkesbury, Glos, UK.

Extrusion line

A medical PVC extrusion line uses 20- and 40-mm coextruders and contains a vacuum sizing bath, an air-wipe unit, a twin-belt haul-off unit, a servo cutter unit, and a tilting take-off conveyor. All polymer-wetted areas are manufactured from stainless steel. Rondol Technology Ltd., Stone, Staffs, UK.

Automated hole-making machine

A noncontact proximity-sensing system automates the process of isolating a desired lumen in a multilumen catheter for hole drilling or punching. The Smart Driller CL hole-drilling and hole-punching machine employs a sensor attached to an amplification system, which detects an austenitic metal mandrel inserted into the lumen to be punched and remembers its location even if the catheter is twisted. System software uses analogue-to-digital conversion in a special algorithm to pinpoint the location of the lumen. By means of its rotary axis, the drilling machine rotates the target section of the tubing automatically to ensure precise hole placement before drilling, punching, or skiving the catheter. Technical Innovations, Brazoria, TX, USA.

Medical-grade tubing

Clear, translucent, and radiopaque polyvinyl chloride tubing, and other products are offered to the medical industry. Radiopaque tubing measuring 1.0 to 3.0 mm ID and 2.0 to 4.5 mm OD is routinely produced in tolerances of ±0.1 and ±0.13 mm, depending on the dimensions. Straight, tapered, luer, y, and t connectors are also supplied, as well as catheter mounts. Portex Ltd., Hythe, Kent, UK.

Metering pumps

Precision gear metering pumps provide dimensional accuracy in medical tubing extrusions. A pump installed between the extruder and the die provides a constant volumetric output and eliminates product imperfections by isolating the die from extruder process fluctuations. The pump generates most of the required pressure, allowing the extruder to operate at lower back pressure than would otherwise be possible. The benefits include increased output, shorter residence time, lower temperature rise, and a more efficient plasticizing action. Zenith Pumps Div., Parker Hannifin Corp., Sanford, NC, USA.

Extrusion equipment

A complete line of extrusion equipment is available for medical tubing applications. The systems feature extruders, feedscrews, integrated control systems, and associated downstream components including cutters, pullers, tanks, and auxiliary equipment. The machines are engineered for use with both thermoplastics and compounds, and are adaptable to processing corrosive polymers, high-temperature materials, and nonthermoplastics. Extruder sizes range from 19 to 75 mm and are available as bench, adjustable-height, tilt-and-swing, or fixed-height stand-alone machines. Davis-Standard Ltd., Luton, Beds, UK.

Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer