MEDTEC Product Preview
A broad range of products and services of interest to medical device manufacturers will be featured at MEDTEC 98. Here is a small sample of the materials, components, equipment, and services that will be on display 7–9 October in Amsterdam's RAI Centre.
IV components
Adapters, valves, drip chambers, Y connectors, T fittings, injection sites, burette components, clamping devices, and filters are among the IV products supplied to medical device OEMs. A variety of latex-free components including Y connectors, T fittings, injection sites, and haemostasis introducers are also available. The substitute material reportedly offers superior performance when tested against standard latex while eliminating the risk of latex-sensitive reactions at the injection site. B. Braun Melsungen AG, Melsungen, Germany. Stand 1406
Nitinol components
Stents, catheter components, and related parts are machined from nitinol and other materials by means of a proprietary laser-based cutting and welding process. Complex shapes and patterns with 25-µm slot widths are routinely produced. In addition to supplying nitinol wire and tubing, the company provides inspection and heat-treatment services as well as electropolishing and electroplating for improved radiographic visibility. EUROflex Schussler GmbH, Pforzheim, Germany. Stand 1404
X-ray inspection system
A noncontact, nondestructive x-ray inspection system is suited for failure analysis, quality control, and quality assurance of such medical assemblies and devices as pacemakers, heart valves, and hearing aids. The system, which permits inspection from multiple angles, features from 2 to 1000x magnification. Features as small as 5 µm can be inspected, and areas of interest down to 10 µm can be measured. Feinfocus Medizintechnik GmbH, Garbsen, Germany. Stand 2016
OEM consumables
Consumables are produced for diagnostic and analytical equipment manufacturers by a company that can undertake a project from concept to finished product. The 6500-m2 facility is equipped with injection moulding machines ranging in size from 35 to 200 t as well as a cleanroom. Filling, capping, sonic welding, labelling, and package design services are also offered. A range of standard consumables and a plastic screw–capped evacuated-blood collection system are manufactured by the company and marketed under the LIP and Lipvac names. Labplast International, Shipley, W Yorks, UK. Stand 1013
Contract services
A company provides a range of services to device manufacturers entering US or European markets. Technical support is offered in all phases of a product's life cycle from concept and design to manufacturing, assembly, packaging, sterilization, warehousing, and distribution. In addition, an array of office support services are available, and the firm can assist with compliance and regulatory issues. Confidentiality is guaranteed. Scanlan Group B.V., Schiphol-Rijk, Netherlands. Stand 1207
Nonferrous wires
A supplier of nonferrous fine wires used in a variety of high-tech applications stresses its commitment to high standards of material composition, surface finish, and mechanical properties. The company is a leading producer of silver-plated copper wires suited for catheter applications. Custom solutions are a specialty. Berkenhoff GmbH, Heuchelheim, Germany. Stand 819
Polyethylene film
A linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) film reportedly combines greater package strength and less weight than conventional LLDPE film. According to the company, 3-mil gauge ShieLLD exhibits 150% more impact strength than 4-mil LLDPE film, while the 4-mil ShieLLD features 238% greater impact strength and 250% greater tear strength than comparably thick LLDPE film. Perfecseal, A Bemis Co., Londonderry, UK. Stand 2018
E-beam sterilization system
Designed to provide in-house sterilization capability for a range of applications, a company's turnkey E-beam system incorporates automated material handling, controls, and safety and management information systems. The Surebeam system enables companies to reduce inventory requirements while meeting supply management objectives. By using in-house E-beam processing, manufacturers can eliminate the cost and delays associated with contract sterilization services. Titan Scan Systems, San Diego, CA, USA. Stand 714
Fluoropolymer tubing
Fluoropolymer tubing is extruded with inner diameters down to 0.001 in. and in wall thicknesses measuring 0.015 in. PTFE Sub-Lite-Wall miniature tubing is also available in heat-shrink form with ratios exceeding 4:1 to meet unique design requirements. Etching can be performed on most products. The company also extrudes resins such as polyethylene, FEP, PVA, PVDF, ETFE, and PEEK in accordance with SPC and Cpk guidelines. A Class 10,000 cleanroom is on-site. Zeus Industrial Products Inc., Orangeburg, SC, USA. Stand 1018
Specialty adhesives
More than 30 types of adhesives and sealants designed for medical device assembly applications are supplied. The light-cure adhesives, instant adhesives, and activators, primers, and specialty sealants are all USP Class VI materials. The company will exhibit its full range of products and host technical and audiovisual demonstrations at its MEDTEC stand. Loctite European Group, München, Germany. Stand 1000
