From the Cover of EMDM
Brushless dc motors
A line of 43-mm brushless dc motors features torque constants that range from 3.5 to 17.7 N-cm/A and power output ratings from 22 to 115 W. The high torque-to-inertia ratio allows for rapid start-and-stop capability. Hall effect devices and rare earth magnets are used for controllable electronic commutation, thereby minimizing torque ripple, cogging, and demagnetization. The motors are available in 43–86-mm footprints, with stack sizes ranging from 6.4 to 50.8 mm in 6.4-mm increments. The 8-pole, 12-slot, 3-phase motors can be configured for 12-, 24-, or 36-V inputs. They are suited for use in medical equipment where precise rotary motion is desirable. Ametek GmbH, Wiesbaden, Germany.
Laser marking services
Because laser marking is a noncontact process in which the material is marked by means of either discolouring the surface or etching, tooling often is not required. This enables turnaround times of as few as two to four days from receipt of the parts. Permanent marks can be placed on a wide variety of materials including most plastics, aluminium, titanium, ceramics, brass, and mild, stainless, and tool-hardened steels. Because the mark is permanent and nontoxic, laser marking is well suited for applying product codes and batch numbers to implantables. In addition to text, lines, and graphics, it is possible to mark bar codes and matrix codes that can be input automatically. The firm, which also offers laser cutting, welding, and wire EDM services, recently established a dedicated laser marking division. Micrometric Techniques Ltd., Lincoln, UK.
Injection moulding equipment
High-grade injection moulds for medical components are designed for short cycle times and a long service life. A 96-cavity hot-runner injection mould for needle protectors features high-grade tooling steels for the inserts and stainless-steel mould bases. Component-shaping inserts can be exchanged easily on the machine, thereby eliminating downtime. A 32-cavity hot-runner injection mould for pipette tips combines sprueless moulding technology with high-precision mechanics. Hot-runner injection moulds for syringe barrels feature sprueless gating, which is applied under the finger grip. The gate is on the flange side, so trouble-free ejection of the mouldings is possible even if they are not completely filled. Injection moulds for laboratory products are made from polystyrene and exhibit maximum optical transparency in the viewing surfaces. Tanner Mold Ltd., Feuerthalen, Switzerland.
