MEDTEC 99 PREVIEW
More than 200 companies are scheduled to exhibit at MEDTEC 99. Here is a selection of some of the products, services, and equipment that will be presented to medical device OEMs in Amsterdam on 21–23 September.
Polycarbonate
A line of polycarbonate resins offer glasslike transparency and outstanding impact strength, temperature resistance, dimensional stability, and processability. Those Makrolon resins designated as medical grade meet FDA-modified ISO 10993-1 biocompatibility requirements. The resins can be sterilized by many processes, including EtO, steam, and gamma or E-beam irradiation. Because of the high-flow and uniform moulding properties of Makrolon Rx2530 polycarbonate, it was specified for the manufacture of an implantable bone harvester used in spinal fusion procedures (pictured). The company also supplies Lustran, an ABS 348 resin used in the manufacture of two new medical devices that bring relief to individuals who suffer from habitual snoring and chronic nasal obstruction. Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany.
Automated assembly systems
Flexible synchronous/asynchronous linear assembly systems are designed to enable medical manufacturers to get new products to market quickly and change over to new production requirements rapidly. The modular, adaptable systems offer a wide range of operating speeds and precise product location, even at the highest rates of operation. They easily accommodate new component sizes and shapes as product assembly needs evolve. Any combination of one-up, two-up, or multi-up operations can be accommodated in one chassis or in adjacent chassis. Easily connected modular elements are designed for rapid pallet transfer into and out of each unit. Each pallet is identified by code and traced by a central computer, thus permitting monitoring of product residence time through the system. Ismeca Europe S.A., La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
Silicones
Three-part silicone systems offer users the flexibility to adjust the materials' cure rate and table life to suit particular applications. VersaSil3 high-consistency silicone elastomers were developed for volume use and work equally well with extrusion, moulding, or calendering operations. The silicone is available in 30, 50, and 70 Shore A durometers. Designed for optimal performance in a range of applications, the VersaSil3 base stocks may be blended to produce elastomers of intermediate durometers as well as other physical properties. NuSil Technology Europe, Anglet, France.
Centrifuge
A manufacturer of laboratory equipment has developed an OEM version of its centrifuge for use in automatic workstations. The Model 5810R centrifuge can process up to 480 15-ml samples per hour. Loading and unloading the swing-bucket rotor is accomplished through a special opening on the centrifuge lid with the aid of a gripping device. This opening, which remains closed during centrifugation, opens as soon as the rotor is in position. The inserts containing the sample tubes are then automatically removed and replaced with fresh samples. The rotor can accommodate a maximum of 80 15-ml samples. Communication between the workstation and the centrifuge takes place via an RS-232 interface. Eppendorf-Netheler-Hinz GmbH, Hamburg, Germany.
Fibre-optic components
Fibre-optic components are manufactured for applications in dentistry, endoscopy, and surgical microscopy. Fibre rods or cones made of lead-free glass are used in dental light curing procedures. They feature a high transmission rate and are autoclavable. Light-conducting fibres suited for use with endoscopes are also fully autoclavable. For flexible endoscopes, image guides are available in customer-specified sizes. Flexible light guides for surgical microscopes can be supplied with a hot-fused termination at one or both ends. Schott Glas, Wiesbaden, Germany.
