Hot-runner nozzle
A hot-runner-system nozzle for injection moulding is designed to provide for direct side gating of parts in compact multicavity moulds. The HPS III-MH nozzle suits demanding medical device applications involving the gating of such long, slim, or tube-shaped parts as syringes, pipettes, or sample bulbs, as well as packaging applications such as the gating of closures. By using a heat-conductive tip insert to gate directly onto the part surface, it prevents formation of cold slugs in the gate and ensures a gate vestige of high quality. A newly engineered installation system for the tip inserts facilitates integration in a standard one-piece mould insert, which allows for a cost-efficient mould design and easy replacement of tip inserts without mould dismantlement. The nozzle comes in a radial version for gating up to eight parts simultaneously and a linear version with two rows of four tips.
Ewikon Heißkanalsysteme GmbH & Co. KG
Frankenberg, Germany
Stand #459
Stent inspection system
A customizable system for automated stent inspection can spot defects smaller than 1 µm while eliminating the risk of human error. The modular system inspects both the outside and the inside of each stent and can also automatically take care of product feed, disposal of rejects and packaging of approved stents. While the inspection system itself is an automatic or semiautomatic stand-alone module that may also be integrated into a production line, its stand-alone capabilities can be extended when modules for supply, disposal and packaging are connected with it. A laser sensor–based 3-D-scan or a line-scan camera can be used to survey the stent with high accuracy, after which system software performs the complex evaluation of the image acquired; a system can include both types of camera. The 3-D scan detects not only geometry defects but also such surface imperfections as microcracks and dents.
GDO B.V.
Eygelshoven, Netherlands
Stand #842
Mechatronic component assembly
A manufacturing services provider with design engineering expertise and assembly capabilities specialises in the design and production of mechatronic components and systems for medical devices, in vitro diagnostic (IVD) equipment and analytical and laboratory instruments. The company is equipped to handle microtechnology applications. It offers equipment manufacturers expertise in product optimization to supplement its capabilities in assembly, testing and series production. A recent commission made the company a preferred supplier for a client’s IVD technology that produces customised DNA microarrays within 24 hours. The central feature of the technology is a system by which lasers and a mirror arrangement activate very small spots in a DNA array such that oligonucleotide attachments occur. These oligonucleotides are synthesised on the glass substrate inside of one day without the need to rely on external suppliers and wait perhaps weeks for delivery. Hittech Group B.V.
Uitgeest, Netherlands
Stand #1658
Package design and manufacture
A supplier of turnkey packaging solutions for customers in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries designs, develops and manufactures custom packages. All packages are developed in close consultation with the client; the Teamcenter Community digital tool is available around the clock via the Internet for the client and the package designers to use to view design status and results. Package production takes place in ISO Class 7 (Class 10,000) cleanrooms. Thermoforming technology is employed and blister packing is a specialty.
Nelipak B.V.
Venray, Netherlands
Stand #490
Thermoplastic moulding
A company with long experience in the cleanroom moulding of thermoplastic materials supplies components to healthcare and medical device manufacturers. Its full range of services covers the design and manufacturing functions, and the company produces proprietary devices as well, including cardiovascular and ophthalmology products and fluid-delivery devices. The service provider applies its R&D efforts to the creation and production of interventional cardiology devices, delivery systems for therapeutic drugs, implantable devices, surgical orthopaedics injectors, autoinjectors, and syringe-based transfer systems. Working in alliance with a group of four biomedical firms, the company has both start-ups and well-established medical device companies as customers.
Sedat
Irigny, France
Stand #453
Guidewire Technology Enhances Neurovascular Access
Since its introduction late last year, Twister core wire technology has made significant inroads in neurovascular applications, according to Brivant (Galway, Ireland;
www.brivant.com). It has been predominantly well received for the design of neurovascular access wires because of its ability to track very tortuous anatomies. The technology relies on a stainless-steel core wire that combines stiffness with the springiness of nitinol, minus the expense. Other performance attributes such as 1:1 torqueability, pushability and kink resistance make Twister core wire a superior material for cardiovascular and peripheral guidewire use, adds Brivant. Brivant supplies CE-marked and US FDA–registered medical devices to customers ready for clinical use. Twister technology was developed in house following years of research and expertise in the manufacture of guidewire.
Brivant Medical Engineering
Galway, Ireland
Stand # 510
