Orthopaedic Polymers Are Available in a Range of Colours
Opaque and transparent grades of polyphenylsulphone in custom colours are now available in small quantities and with short delivery times. The compounder introduced the flexibility to satisfy demands from orthopaedic device manufacturers, who increasingly use colour to brand their products. Radel R polyphenylsulphone is a high-performance plastic that can withstand more than 1000 disinfection and steam sterilization cycles. Sterilizable plastics in a range of stock colours are routinely used to differentiate the sizes of orthopaedic provisional trials during implant surgery. Transparent colours were developed more recently to manufacture lids and latches used with sterilization instrument cases and containers. Solvay S.A., Oudenaarde, Belgium.
Medical Computers Offer Low Power Consumption
Featuring low power consumption, medical computers that comply with EN 60601-1 come with Intel Core 2 Duo processors in standard or custom housings. Completely sealed versions are also available. The fan-free units can simultaneously run several applications thanks to the dual processor cores. This architecture may reduce operating costs, since single-system solutions can be developed for applications that previously required two separate systems. For example, these computers enable navigation through 3-D images while parallel images are processed in real time. The new platforms were developed specifically for use in medical environments. Kontron AG, Eching, Germany.
Leak and Flow Tester Can Test up to Four Parts Simultaneously
A recently introduced leak and flow tester can test up to four parts simultaneously and supports a range of test methods. The Sprint iQ can perform pressure decay and pressure increase, sealed-component leak, volume verification, interlumen leak, vacuum decay, occlusion, creep, and burst tests, among others. A 24-bit analogue-to-digital converter enables accurate measurement of minute pressure and flow changes. Pressurechange readings as low as 0.0001 psig and flow ratings down to 0.01 cm3/min can be measured. The device comes with Ethernet, dual USB, and RS-232 serial ports, and it is compatible with the manufacturer’s test-results monitoring and reporting software. Uson, Houston, TX, USA.
IP65-Rated Power Entry Module Introduced
A power entry module is resistant to dirt, dust, and other fine particles, as well as sprays, splashes, and jets of nonaggressive liquids. The IP65-rated device is suited for use in electronic products that are exposed to leaks, drips, and spills, along with equipment that is subject to routine cleaning or disinfection.
The style C14 or C18 inlet portion of the module is combined with a one- or two-pole fuse holder and standard or medical EMC filter. Seal protection is designed at the panel opening, around the fuse holders, and between the inlet and connector pins.
The Series 5707 unit features prewired electrical connections using quickconnect terminals. Class I or Class II protection versions are available, as well as a model with special Class I capacitors that withstands high voltages. The module is suited for use in diagnostic instruments, dialysis devices, and related medical products. Schurter AG, Lucerne, Switzerland.
Reliable miniature oxygen sensors based on zirconium dioxide technology are described as nonconsumptive and endowed with an almost unlimited lifetime. They perform stable and accurate 0 to 100% oxygen concentration measurements.
Calibration and functional testing can be quickly achieved in ambient air, forgoing the need for a reference gas. Cross-sensitivity is not an issue with most other gases, according to the firm, and sensor designs can be modified to suit customer requirements.
The company supplies a range of sensing and fluid-control products including pressure, force, and flow sensors; miniature solenoid valves and pumps; electronic pressure controllers; and liquid-level switches. Noninvasive air bubble, air-in-line, liquid-level, and fluid-monitoring sensors are also available. Sensortechnics GmbH, Puchheim, Germany.
Ceramic Heater Features Minimal Leakage
A ceramic heater pairs the thermal conductivity of aluminium nitride construction with a thermally matched heating element. The assembly provides fast response times in a low-mass package.
The Ultramic 600 is a durable heater that features dielectric strength, less than 10 iA leakage current, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. The low leakage current helps med-tech manufacturers comply with IEC 60601 total system requirements, according to the company.
The ceramic used to make the heater is sintered at elevated temperatures to create a monolithic, geometrically stable structure. This technique results in a low-porosity, homogeneous, and robust assembly.
The Ultramic 600 can achieve a 600°C temperature and ramp rates up to 150°C per second. An integrated thermocouple configuration improves reliability of the sensor and heater interface to ensure fast responsiveness during high-ramp-rate applications. Watlow GmbH, Kronau, Germany.
Urethane Blend Introduced for Soft-Touch Applications
A nonplasticized urethane blend has been introduced for medical, consumer, and industrial products where a soft touch is desirable. The blend can be injection and blow moulded or extruded.
Offered in 50, 60, and 70 Shore A hardnesses, the material has the properties of soft rubber at a price comparable to the polymers and thermosets it is designed to replace, according to the compounder. It can be shipped in clear-to-transparent pellets, and various fillers and additives can be incorporated for specific applications. New England Urethane Inc., North Haven, CT, USA.
New Functionalities for Machine Vision Software
Originally launched 10 years ago, a software library and integrated development environment (IDE) for machine vision applications receives a substantial makeover this year. Version 8.0 of Halcon reportedly will establish a new standard in functionality and ease of use. It will be officially launched in June.
Among the new features are third-generation matching for 3-D objects, shape-based matching of colour images, and operators that advance optical character recognition technology. In sum, machine vision operations will be faster and easier to develop, according to the firm.
In addition to the software library, the company provides individual support to users throughout the world. Halcon’s unique IDE assists users in the generation of frequently used operator sequences. The software is platform independent. MVTec Software GmbH, Munich, Germany.
Automated Hole-Making System Gets Upgrade
An upgraded automated hole-making system integrates a brushless motor for use in controlled-environment production areas.
The redesigned CL2 system offers enhanced position accuracy, improved cycle times, a smaller footprint, and less weight than the previous model. Various automated 3- and 4-axis configurations can be accommodated. The new modular design enables easy conversion of the device from drill to puncher. The interchangeable heads allow a single machine to perform tasks that previously required two separate systems.
Other new features include increased capacity, job recall by pattern or part number, and 16 speed keys for immediate recall of frequently used patterns. Technical Innovations, Brazoria, TX, USA.
Fluid–Structure Interaction Software Bridges Engineering Divide
Software that replicates and predicts the physical behaviour of complex systems in which fluids interact with structures can couple analyses based on ABAQUS finite element analysis software and CD-adapco computational fluid dynamics software. Companies using the program’s coupled-analysis capability will dramatically improve collaboration between fluid dynamics engineers and structural engineers, according to the software developer.
The fluid–structure interaction tool builds on an open platform for multiphysics simulation. The open-platform approach is designed to enable engineers to easily integrate fully supported best-in-class technology.
The new product allows manufacturers and researchers to study the influence of flow-induced forces and heat transfer on structural integrity as well as the impact of nonlinear material response on the behaviour of fluid flow properties. Dassault Systèmes, Paris, France.
