Medical Device Link.

INDUSTRY NEWS

A thermoplastic vulcanizate alloy was selected to mould the protective bumper around a pain therapy device because of its flow and tactile properties.

A maker of percutaneous and noninvasive neuromodulation pain therapy devices has selected a high-performance thermoplastic elastomer from GLS Corp. (McHenry, IL, USA) to produce the protective bumper that is moulded around these portable products. A customized version of the Versalloy XL 9070X-1 thermoplastic vulcanizate alloy is used for the device by Biowave Corp. (Norwalk, CT, USA).

The alloy was selected because of its flow and tactile properties. Thanks to the material’s flexibility and easy-to-mould characteristics, “the finished bumper can be slipped onto channels between the upper and lower housings without stretching,” says Roger Lockshier, project manager at PTA Corp., which performs the contract moulding. “As a result, the part looks as if it were overmoulded directly onto the housing.”

Biowave devices are designed to treat chronic, acute, or postoperative musculoskeletal pain. Deepwave is used by physicians to break the pain cycle, while Homewave, as its name suggests, is intended for home use by the patient. The alloy’s soft-touch feel and secure grip satisfied physician requirements, while its colourability and general aesthetics appeal to general consumers.

To learn more about the materials, contact GLS Corp., 833 Ridgeview Dr., McHenry, IL 60050-7050, USA; phone: +1 815 3858500; fax: +1 815 3858533; e-mail: info@glscorp.com; Internet: www.glscorp.com.