Imagine an era in which cancer is easily detected and treated. Imagine a time in which injecting thousands of tiny computerized devices into the human body as a form of medical treatment is commonplace. Imagine this reality within your lifetime.

While many companies are discussing how they will use nanotechnology to change the medical device industry, one firm is actually doing it.

From cancer research to electronics, carbon nanotubes are believed to be at the foundation of many high-tech applications made possible by nanotechnology.

In 2003, the National Cancer Institute director Andrew von Eschenbach, MD, stated the organization's Challenge Goal to the Nation: to eliminate the suffering and death due to cancer by 2015. In a nation that attributes more than half a million deaths each year to the disease, this is a challenge.

The revolutionary potential of nanotechnology drives development.

By replacing injection molding with laser sintering technology, a maker of centrifuges was able to streamline product design while reducing tooling and assembly costs.

Outsourcing, particularly in the area of contract assembly, continues to be a steadily expanding part of the U.S. manufacturing economy. While significant resources are dedicated to new product development and design, many OEMs are still reluctant to commit the capital for equipment and personnel needed to produce and assemble parts in-house.

Medical OEMs can reduce waste and eliminate the converting process by bringing packaging in-house. One of the easiest ways to add packaging capabilities is by using automated equipment. This article highlights several machines for use in packaging finished products. Also featured are new packaging materials that offer reduced moisture and increased peel performance.