BSI Changes Name to SurModics

Company will maintain focus on medical devices

The company formerly known as BSI Corp. is now called SurModics Inc. The name change was instituted in order to better reflect the company's continuing focus on surface modification technologies for medical and diagnostic devices.

Located in Eden Prairie, MN, SurModics offers PhotoLink surface modification technology, which is based on a photochemical process that improves the surface characteristics of medical devices without changing mechanical properties or dimensions. PhotoLink can be used to make a surface more lubricious, wettable, or capable of resisting blood clotting, reducing infection rates, or even delivering drugs over time.

SurModics also provides a line of immunoassay and conjugate stabilizers for diagnostic kit manufacturers. The company is continuing to expand this line, most recently with the introduction of StabilGuard Biomolecule Stabilizer, a new animal protein­free immunoassay stabilizer. For more information, contact SurModics at 612/829-2700.

InnoMedica Gains ISO 9001 Certification

Performs laser welding of similar and dissimilar metals

InnoMedica (Minneapolis) has achieved ISO 9001 certification. A provider of contract development and manufacturing services, the company uses laser welding to join similar and dissimilar metals and also performs laser drilling of plastics for the production of such devices as catheters.

InnoMedica specializes in the production of guidewires, catheters, pacemaker leads, and other technologies using miniaturized assembly and fine-wire handling. For more information, contact InnoMedica at 800/943-1189.

Product Development Alliance Created

Five companies join together

Five companies in the product development industry have combined forces to serve clients that want to bring new products to market quickly. PSI Alliance members are Accelerated Technologies Inc., Omega Plastics, Armstrong Mold Corp., Hobson Mould Works Inc., and PSI LLC.

The group combines the members' areas of expertise to provide full-service product development. The companies share information to improve existing processes and work together to find new ways of quickly developing parts. Accelerated Technologies produces prototypes using stereolithography, selective laser sintering, and urethane casting; Omega Plastics provides cut-and-run injection molds; Armstrong Mold produces castings and reaction injection molded parts; and Hobson Mould Works provides tooling for blow molding and various other molds for large parts. For more information, contact PSI Alliance at 612/853-2289.

Gamma Sterilization
Joint Venture Announced

Facility to be located in Mexico City

Griffith Micro Science (Oak Brook, IL) and MDS Nordion Inc. (Kanata, Ont., Canada) have announced the creation of NGS Enterprises, a joint venture that will operate in a new gamma sterilization facility to be built in the Mexico City area. The two companies say that they had recognized the significant advantages of such a facility for Mexican and other manufacturers producing or planning to produce devices in Mexico.

Griffith Micro Science specializes in EtO sterilization management, and MDS Nordion specializes in gamma technology and cobalt 60 production. Groundbreaking is scheduled for January, 1998, and the facility should be operational by September. For more information, contact Griffith Micro Science at 800/811-4674.

Washington Laboratories Offers Device Testing

Can assist manufacturers from product inspection to market release

Full emissions and immunity testing of electronic and electrical medical devices and equipment is now available at Washington Laboratories (Gaithersburg, MD).

"With the addition of new medical device testing and engineering capabilities," says Michael Violette, president of Washington Laboratories, "we are able to provide an even broader range of services that assist manufacturers with testing and troubleshooting from product inspection to market release."

Washington Laboratories provides testing and engineering services for electromagnetic compatibility, product safety, and compliance with EMC. Additional services include field testing, product and facility consulting, and educational seminars. For more information, contact Washington Laboratories Ltd. at 800/839-1649.