Originally Published EMDM March/April 2005
Product Update
Focus on suppliers of cables, connectors, and wires
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Ulbrich Precision Metals Ltd.
A supplier of precision wire and related medical product components with headquarters in North Haven, CT, USA, recently opened a production facility in Gort, Co. Galway, Ireland. The European plant of Ulbrich Precision Metals Ltd. will manufacture stainless-steel wire for use in catheter-related diagnostic devices, among other products.
Wire as small as 0.0025 in. wide and 0.0003 in. thick is available. Width tolerances of ±0.0003 in. and gauge tolerances of ±0.0001 in. can be attained. The stainless steel is precision rolled and tempered to achieve the desired torque, column strength, and multiple curve capabilities.
Other materials processed by the firm include carbon steel, copper, copper alloys, aluminium, and high-performance alloys. Cold working processes ensure that the materials exhibit the precise balance of stiffness and formability needed for braided shaft tubing and other rotating surgical probes and devices. The materials are also routinely used for the manufacture of guidewires, stents, and an array of cardiac rhythm management devices.
Affiliated companies manufacture stainless-steel strip, nitinol shaped wire, and titanium strip used in a range of medical products.
Fort Wayne Metals
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A company registered with US FDA and certified to ISO 9001 fabricates wires, cables, and assemblies for use in orthopaedic products, implants, and reusable and single-use medical devices.
Headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, USA, with a facility in Castelbar, Co. Mayo, Ireland, Fort Wayne Metals draws wire in medical-grade alloys in diameters ranging from 0.0005 to 0.75 in. These wires are then formed into cable strands as thin as 0.0015 in. diam. The smallest strands and cables produced by the firm are narrower than a single hair; its largest orthopaedic and device cables have a tensile strength exceeding 1000 lb.
The firm offers fully integrated production capabilities including end welding, wire crimping, forming, swaging, cleaning, and passivation. Structural studies, material analysis, and fatigue testing can be conducted at the on-site laboratory to improve device performance and predictability.
EM Technik GmbH
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A company has added miniature connectors that combine ease of use and secure mating to its line of parts. The 1M-series connectors from EM Technik GmbH (Maxdorf, Germany) are compatible with PFA, silicone, and PVC flexible tubing in nominal diameters of 1¼16 and 1¼8, 3¼32 and 3¼16, and 1¼8 and 1¼4 in.
The microconnectors feature an integrated body sleeve. Flexible tubing is attached by means of a knurled nut; a slit clamping ring can be used to fix soft flexible hose. Completely secure, the connection can be undone at any time.
The products are available with G, NPT, or UNF threads, and can be fabricated with PP or PVDF materials; a PFA version is in development. If required, the connectors can be assembled in a Class 100 cleanroom.
ODU Steckverbindungssysteme
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A supplier of electrical connectors has introduced a version of its popular plastic circular push-pull connector with a metal housing. The Medi-Snap with metal enclosure from ODU Steckverbindungssysteme (Mühldorf, Germany) can be mated and mounted with the plastic version.
Described as a cost-effective alternative to the company’s metal connectors, the Medi-Snap reportedly can withstand 1000 mating cycles. It also features colour-coding capabilities and a flexible receptacle design.
Lemo S.A.
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Self-latching connectors from Lemo S.A. (Ecublens, Switzerland) are available in a range of styles for medical applications. The push-pull mechanism enables safe, easy, and rapid mating and unmating. Sealed, unsealed, and metallic connectors can be supplied, as well as disposable models and connectors with a plastic shell. They are available in a range of colours and can be safely sterilized without affecting their mechanical and electrical properties. Plastic connectors can be specified with soldered, crimped, or gold-plated contacts.
Colder Products Co. GmbH
Couplings made with an ABS material provide medical device OEMs with nonspill functionality in a component that withstands gamma sterilization. Introduced by Colder Products Company GmbH (Gross Gerau, Germany), the NS4 ABS couplings are fitted with a nonspill shutoff valve that enhances operator safety and speeds connection time. They were designed as lightweight, durable, compact, and economical replacements for metal nonspill couplings, ball valves, and spill-prone fittings.
“In the medical industry, there is a pressing need to eliminate spills of even a few drops,” says Jim Brown, business unit manager, medical markets. “The NS4 ABS units provide a nonspill, single-click connection that enables OEMs to increase the value of their medical equipment by combining small coupling size with good flow characteristics.”
The products’ main components are made from ABS; 316 stainless steel is used for the springs, and the O-ring seals are fabricated from EPDM. Overmoulding is used to increase the couplings’ durability and to provide a better grip for users. The process also enables colour coding of the media lines.
The couplings are suited for use in medical lasers, surgical equipment, cooling systems, fluid collection systems, and patient temperature therapy devices.
Plastics One
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Connectors and related products are designed and manufactured at a 60,000-sq-ft facility in Roanoke, VA, USA. Plastics One supplies cable assemblies, electrodes, contacts, adapters, safety jacks and plugs, exposed pin plugs, and circular connectors, among other parts. The firm also has the capability to manufacture the necessary tooling in-house.
In addition to stock parts, the company offers custom design services. It routinely designs and builds assemblies to meet specific customer requirements. Assistance can be provided in the choice of wire size and type, colour, and material. Research and development, engineering, assembly, moulding, packaging, and quality inspection services are available. The company practices lean manufacturing techniques.
Qosina
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Connectors suited for use in tracheal tube sets are offered by a supplier of stock and custom OEM disposable components. Manufactured by Qosina (Edgewood, NY, USA), the straight connectors are sized from 15 ¥ 2.5 to 15 ¥ 11.5 mm and can be specified in incremental gradations of 0.5 mm. They are made from polysulphone for clarity.
Bulk nonsterile tracheal kit components are also available. The products include airway connectors, circuit connectors, and double-swiveling elbows.
Certified to ISO 9001:2000, the company is a global supplier of a range of disposable products including swabs and applicators, stock connectors, luers, caps, clamps, stopcocks, valves, spikes, gloves, syringes, and tubing. Custom sourcing services are available.
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