Spotlight on Tube-Processing Equipment

Pressure-monitoring system

A composite control system is designed for use on small extruders that typically process medical-grade tubing. It incorporates a pressure transducer with a 92.5-mm-long stem and an abrasion- and corrosion-resistant sensing diaphragm that can operate in temperatures up to 450°C. Constructed from stainless steel, the system's transducer can be provided with an integral type J or K thermocouple for dual pressure and temperature measurement. The microprocessor features programmable range and set-point functions, auto zero and calibration, nonvolatile memory, security code protection, and optional analogue and serial communications outputs. Terwin Instruments Ltd., Grantham, Lincs, UK.

Welding systems

Compact RF generators are designed to power handheld or benchtop pneumatic sealing and welding heads used to join tubing, luers, fittings, hubs, bags, and related components. RF power and dwell time can be adjusted manually on the unit's front panel or automatically by computer. The interchangeable plug-in generator modules and sealing heads can be replaced within minutes. The systems are suited for sealing and welding closed plastic systems used in medical, pharmaceutical, and biologic processes. SEBRA, Tucson, AZ, USA.

Taping machine

Designed for device manufacturers, a taping machine applies cohesive tape around IV sets and related devices. An operator simply slides the tubing coil into the TAYP-R's jaws; upon removal, the tubing is wrapped with cohesive tape in a fin-type seal. The machine is available in capacities of 25.4, 19, and 12.7 mm and can be used in conjunction with the company's tubing coiler to build a system that is reportedly safer and faster than conventional methods. S-Y-M Products Co./Acorn Equipment Company Ltd., Stanmore, Middx, UK.

Hole puncher

A pneumatic puncher produces single and multiple hole patterns in tubing. Single-wall and through punching applications can be accommodated. The machine features furnace-hardened 17-4 stainless-steel punches, an automatic hole plug ejection system, and a precision stop for travel adjustments. Safe dual pneumatic hand controls do not require electrical current to operate. Technical Innovations Inc., Brazoria, TX, USA.

Short-length tube cutter

Plastic, rubber, and elastomeric tubing of various lengths and diameters can be processed by a single cutter using interchangeable bushing and ram sets. The Model 300A-1 cuts tubing from 3Ž32 to 3 in. long and up to 1/2 in. diam. Designed for limited production runs, the hand-fed cutter ejects the tubing segments into a tray or similar receptacle. The machine is pneumatically operated by a finger switch, and options include a counter and additional bushing sets and extra blades. The unit has a 6 X 15-in. footprint and weighs approximately 7 lb. Lakeview Equipment Inc., Glenview, IL, USA.

Tube cutter and solvent dispenser

A benchtop tube cutter with built-in solvent dispenser deposits cut and wetted tubing in the operator's hand ready for assembly. The READYcut can be programmed in 1-mm increments to produce segments between 50 and 9999 mm, and it can process tubing in ODs ranging from 3.0 to 9.9 mm. The machine operates in continuous, single step-by-step and automatic, and multiple step-by-step and automatic modes. Fifty different production cycles can be stored in memory. The company also offers cutting machines for tubing reels and extrusion lines. Tecnoideal S.r.l., Mirandola (MO), Italy.

Bump and taper tube system

A system consisting of a puller and air supply precisely controls the manufacture of bump and taper tubing. The puller enables the production of straight and taper tubing, including bump and bubble matrixes; its line speed, which can be entered in an open-loop configuration mode, attains an accuracy of better than ±0.01%. The system uses a RISC-microprocessor-based multiple-axis servo controller. Each axis can be individually activated and adjusted, while a dynamic graphical display shows each setting in relation to its distance along the tube. The control system features a Pentium computer running Windows NT 4.0 with a colour touch screen. Recipe creation, modification, storage, and retrieval functions are supported by the controller. Options include a laser gauge for profile monitoring, additional axis control, and multilingual support. Davis-Standard France, Dannemarie, France.

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