Medical Device Link.

MEDTEC Product Preview - 1997

More than 150 companies plan to exhibit at MEDTEC in Amsterdam on 22 and 23 October. Here's a selection of the wide range of innovative products and services that await medical device manufacturers at the European industry's premier event.

Machinery and components are supplied for the processing and extrusion of plastics and reactive materials. Present in more than 60 countries, the company operates a decentralized sales and service network that provides machine installation, maintenance, and training worldwide. The product range encompasses everything from standard machines to complete production lines. Krauss-Maffei Kunststofftechnik GmbH, München, Germany.

A company specializes in the development and manufacture of innovative injection-moulded products for medical applications. Services extend from product design to just-in-time delivery, enabling the company to reduce time to market and control overall costs. Capabilities include multicavity moulding and multifunctional module technology. The company employs integrated preventive procedures. RKT GmbH, Roding, Germany.

CAD, CAM, and CAE software helps reduce time to market, cut costs, and improve product quality. The company's Pro/Engineer programme is used by some of the world's leading medical device manufacturers. One company reported reducing its 10-week work cycle to one week after installing the software, while another claimed to have reduced modelling time by 50%. Parametric Technology, Fleet, Hants, UK.

Filter materials offer optimized performance as conjugate release filters because of their wettability, mechanical strength, low extractables, and virtual absence of protein binding. These properties provide the user with consistent, predictable flow characteristics for instantaneous release of detector reagents. The materials' inherent strength minimizes the risk of shredding, making them especially well suited for assay kit applications. Millipore S.A., St. Quentin-Yvelines, France.

A lipid-resistant polycarbonate that bonds with PVC tubing alleviates cracking in high-stress applications that involve contact with intravenous fluids. Makrolon DP 1-1805 is less expensive than specialty polyurethanes, polyetherimide, and polysulfone, according to the company, and it is easier to process than amorphous copolyester. The company also supplies Lustran ABS, Lustran SAN, and Texin TPU materials. Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany.

A supplier of packaging to the medical device and pharmaceutical industries offers coated paper, Tyvek, coextrudable formable films, laminates, and an extensive range of preformed pouches to suit a variety of applications. The company's ability to supply both reel stock and pouches ensures flexibility; in-house expertise is available to help customers find effective and economical packaging solutions. Rexam Medical Packaging, Bristol, UK.

Modular manufacturing systems designed for the rapid diagnostic test-strip industry perform laminating, slitting, dispensing, assembly, and packaging operations. The company's standard Matrix modules offer cost-effective automation solutions; high-end systems for slitting and packaging test strips are also produced. Add-ons include such features as vision inspection, bar code reading, ultrasonic welding, and other special processes. Kinematic Automation, Twain Harte, CA, USA.

New formulations of hydrocolloids are thin and conformable without sacrificing absorption levels, and feature a fully integrated construction that will not leave residue in the wound. In addition,
all animal-based components have been eliminated. The hydrocolloids are produced in a Class 10,000 cleanroom and can be combined with the company's films, foams, and nonwovens. The company also recently developed a highly breathable pressure-sensitive adhesive for extended-wear applications. Avery Dennison Specialty Tape Division N.V., Turnhout, Belgium.