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Online Article Archive
December 2006
 Tiny Cavity Temperature Sensor Offers Control For Injection Molding Processes
Boasting a 0.6 front diameter, a company's product is being touted as the smallest cavity temperature sensor in the world. “A lot of [manufacturers] are making smaller and smaller medical devices with more moving parts inside,” says Susan Montgomery, president of Priamus System Technologies LLC (Brunswick, OH). “In order to measure what's going on when they're manufacturing these parts, we created a smaller sensor.”
Molding Machine Maker Bestows Gift to University
A supplier of injection molding machines with clamping forces up to 100 tons, has donated an injection molding machine to the department of mechanical engineering at Clemson University (Clemson, SC). Faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students will use the machine for classroom education, lab science, and ongoing research, according to Boy Machines Inc. (Exton, PA).
In Brief
A partnership between two businesses will focus on such laser applications as paint removal, cutting and trimming, welding, perforating, cladding, and heat-treating systems. Preco Inc. (Lenexa, KS) and PaR Systems (St. Paul) will unite for the sales and integration of industrial-based laser processing technology and gantry, motion, and robotic systems technologies…The California division of GM Nameplate (Seattle) has received the 2006 Premier Print Award for outstanding achievement in the production of flexographic printing. The awards are hosted by the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation…Electronics manufacturing service provider CTS Corp. (Elkhart, IN) has achieved ISO 13485:2003 certification for its Scotland facility.
Thermal Components Company Sets Up Shop in China
To better serve its Asia-based customers, a company specializing in thermal control products has opened the doors to a new facility located in Shanghai, China. Watlow (St. Louis) feted the 80,000-sq-ft facility with a grand opening ceremony in October; however, the plant has actually been functional since August, when the firm completed its first customer delivery.
 Prepackaged Motion Control System Could Speed up Time-to-Market
Decreasing a product's time-to-market can save a company valuable time, money, and resources. Taking this into consideration, Advanced Motion Controls (Camarillo, CA) has introduced a prepackaged motion control system as an aid to OEMs trying to expedite a product's prototype-to-production phase.
In Brief
A global distribution agreement has established that Arrow Electronics Inc. (Melville, NY)) will sell and support Cree Inc. (Durham, NC) XLamp LED products worldwide… Creganna Medical Devices (Galway, Ireland), a provider of minimally invasive medical components and subassemblies, has acquired Screentech Medical (Wicklow, Ireland), a designer, developer, and manufacturer of injection molded components… TCP Reliable (Edison, NJ) has acquired Cryopak Industries Inc. (Delta, BC, Canada) in order to expand its temperature-controlled packaging offerings.
November 2006
Software Firm Honored with Small Business Award
The Small Business Technology Council has bestowed a 2006 Tibbetts Award upon a software company specializing in digital shape sampling and processing (DSSP) software and services. Geomagic Inc. (Research Triangle Park, NC) earned recognition for its continuing development of software for DSSP, which is the process of digitally capturing physical objects and automatically creating accurate 3-D models.
 Molding Company Adds 3-D Feedback Feature to Online Quotes
When discussing a project with a client, it can be frustrating trying to explain potential obstacles in molding a part without some sort of visual reference. In light of this communication barrier, one rapid injection molding company has adopted the age-old advice, ‘show, don't tell' when supplying feedback.
In Brief
A provider of power quality control products has entered into an investment agreement with a private equity firm. Powervar (Waukegan, IL) will continue to conduct business under its name and the firm's employee owners will retain a significant ownership position in the company, though Pfingsten Partners LLC (Deerfield, IL) now controls a majority stake… Microscan Systems (Renton, WA), a developer of bar code technology, was ranked second out of 800 manufacturers in Quality magazine's Quality Leadership 100 survey published in September 2006… Electronics manufacturing service provider SMC (Lexington, KY) has entered into a business deal with Nu-Way Electronics (Elk Grove Village, IL) that establishes them as a representative in the Chicago area.
October 2006
Manufacturing Alliance Could Add Convenience for OEMs
A manufacturing outsourcing company specializing in disposables has formed an alliance with an electronics manufacturing and supply chain service provider. The union between ATEK Medical Manufacturing (Minneapolis, MN) and Solectron Corp. (Milpitas, CA) will offer OEMs a one-stop shop for their electromechanical and disposable outsourcing projects.
Touch Screen Enables Simultaneous Operation of Multiple Controls
Anyone who has ever used a touch screen may be familiar with the frustration that can ensue when trying to enter multiple inputs at once. On typical touch screens, simultaneous touches tend to cancel each other out, resulting in a cursor on the screen somewhere between the two desired points. Developed in conjunction with TouchKO (Cedar Park, TX), GM Nameplate (Seattle) has produced a multizone five-wire touch screen technology that circumvents this common inconvenience, enabling the simultaneous operation of multiple controls on one screen.
In Brief
As part of its regionalization plan, a metal parts processor has announced that it will open a processing facility near Reno, NV. Able Electropolishing Co. (Chicago) will offer electropolishing services at its 16,000-sq-ft facility, slated to open in late fall… K&L Microwave Inc. (Salisbury, MD), a designer and manufacturer of radio frequency and microwave filters, duplexers, and integrated assemblies, has achieved ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management system… A manufacturer of machined parts and custom metal tubing has acquired a high-speed 7-axis CNC Swiss-type screw machine and lathe. The machine adds to the capabilities offered by Veridiam Medical (San Diego, CA) in the areas of contouring, threading, milling, slotting, drilling, knurling, tapping, and reaming.
September 2006
 Machine Manufacturer Offers Webinars on Industry Trends
Between fierce competition and evolving technology, companies need to keep up-to-speed on the latest advances and trends in the medical industry in order to stay afloat. With this in mind, machine manufacturer Makino offers a series of free Webinars focused on cutting-edge machining techniques and processes.
 Antimicrobial-Coated Fabric Combats Harmful Bacteria
Hospital-related infections are on the rise and pose a significant threat to patients due to mutations that have left bacteria immune to many common antibiotics. In light of mounting concern in the medical industry, CMI Enterprises (Miami, FL) has developed a line of coated fabrics for upholstery and bedding that features an antimicrobial that may help curb instances of infection in healthcare settings.
In Brief
In an effort to expand its manufacturing, engineering, and quality control departments, Co-Planar, a supplier of high-quality precision stamped components and lead-frames, has relocated its operations to a 33,000-sq-ft facility in Denville, NJ… A developer of metal filtration products has established its first overseas sales office in Beijing, China. Mott Corp. (Farmington, CT) sought a presence in China to better serve existing customers in Asia, as well as to forge new relationships in the area… The addition of a 12-ft Oliver saw to its Albany, NY, facility increases a steel company's capacity up to 25%. Denman & Davis (Clifton, NJ) installed the saw, which can cut plates up to eight in. thick at a maximum width of 12 ft and length of 20 ft, to meet the demand for saw-cut steel plates.
August 2006
 Packaging Firm Hits the Road
Rather than competing for a mere minute of a potential client's time at a bustling trade show, a packaging company has ceased waiting for companies to come to them. Instead, Lantech.com (Louisville, KY) has adopted a proactive approach by taking its goods on the road and straight to customers' doorsteps.
 Control Loop System Offers Several Control Features in One Package
A manufacturer of thermal system components has introduced an integrated control loop to the market. With its EZ-Zone ST, Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co. (St. Louis) is touting its claim as developer of the first product to integrate temperature control, power control, safety shut-down, and power disconnect in a single package.
June 2006
Ask the Expert: Packaging
Richard Crane is vice president of new business development at J-Pac LLC , a medical device manufacturer and packager located in Somersworth, NH. He has had a twenty-five year career in the medical device arena, spanning areas from package engineering to medical device development, supplier side to OEM side, and technical and management ladder. Crane was also the winner of the 1991 Ameristar Packaging Competition Gold Star for the medical device category, awarded by Institute of Packaging Professionals, and led development and the global launch of several new medical devices for Fortune 100 device companies. He is also a patent holder.
Contract Manufacturer Opens Facility in China
The opening of an 115,800 sq-ft facility in the industrial area of Suzhou marks a contract manufacturer's third facility in China. The result of a two-year evaluation period of best practices, the United Plastics Group (UPG; Oak Brook, IL) plant was established in response to a demand for China-based manufacturing, according to the company.
May 2006
 Ask the Expert: Plastics and Elastomers
Lou Johnson serves as medical plastics sales specialist for Modern Plastics , located in Bridgeport, CT. He has been in plastics distribution and manufacturing for 20 years. Modern Plastics, an ISO 9001:2000 certified company, is a plastics distributor of high-performance plastic stock shapes that include sheet, rod, tube, and film, along with resin products such as Radel R polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) and Ultem polyetherimide ( PEI). Modern Plastics' Medical Plastic Division was launched several years ago and has quickly become a leading supplier of medical-grade plastics. Its purpose is to provide fulfillment solutions to an industry that historically has purchased directly from manufacturers.
 Acquisition Gives Life Science Company's Revenue a Boost
Millipore Corp. (Billerica, MA) will acquire Serologicals Corp. (Norcross, GA) in a cash transaction at the end of June. As a result of this maneuver, Millipore's forecasted revenue for 2006 is expected to reach $1.4 billion, according to the company.
Control Loop System Offers Several Control Features in One Package
A manufacturer of thermal system components has introduced an integrated control loop to the market. With its EZ-Zone ST, Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co. (St. Louis) is touting its claim as developer of the first product to integrate temperature control, power control, safety shut-down, and power disconnect in a single package.
April 2006
 Ask the Expert: Electronics
Rich Nazarian is the president and CEO of Minnetronix Inc., a medical device design and manufacturing firm in St. Paul, MN. Nazarian has more than 20 years experience in the medical device development field. Prior to cofounding Minnetronix in 1996, he led product development efforts for implantable artificial heart electronic systems, cardiopulmonary - bypass systems, laser - imaging systems, and other medical and industrial devices for 3M. Nazarian is principal inventor on eight patents ranging from telemetry systems for implantable devices to networked bypass systems, and he is the principal author of numerous papers ranging from artificial heart control systems to medical device development methods. At Minnetronix, he continues to be a leader in the development of new and innovative medical devices. Nazarian earned his BS and MS in electrical engineering at Stanford University.
 Fluid Connections Firm Opens Design Center
A provider of tubing fittings and connectors has unveiled a design center. Value Plastics Inc. (Fort Collins, CO) established the center in order to assist customers with designing fluid management components suited to their specifications.
 Sensor Provides Control for Noninvasive Disc Procedure
Surgical options to treat Degenerative Disc Disease–the erosion of invertebral discs–are relatively limited. Operations such as spinal fusions can be very painful and require a lengthy recovery period. However, a minimally invasive procedure that employs sensor technology may alleviate pain without the discomfort of major surgery.
 Single-Use Industry Creates Alliance
Manufacturers of single-use process components and systems for biopharmaceuticals have united in order to address the needs of the industry. Formed under the umbrella of the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), the Bio-Process Systems Alliance (BPSA; Washington, DC) strives to promote growth and confidence in the single-use industry.
 Interconnect Enables Effective Use of Disposable Electronic Probes
A manufacturer specializing in connectors has debuted its custom interconnects for medical disposable electronic probes. The Hypertronics Corp. (Hudson, MA) interconnect is suited for such electronic probe applications as electrophysiology catheters, endoscopes, and intravascular ultrasound.
March 2006
 Ask the Expert: Metal Fabrication
Joshua Jablons, PhD, is the Executive Vice President of Metal Cutting Corp., a specialty metal fabrication company in Cedar Grove, NJ. Jablons has worked in the metals business since 1987. During his career in the industry, he has specialized in three areas: the manufacture and metrology of tight tolerance parts, burr-free production techniques, and refractory metals. He earned his BA at Wesleyan University and his MA and PhD at New York University.
Expanded Rountable: The Next Big Thing
Although there is a lot of buzz around nanotechnology, there are currently few concrete examples, and theories as to its potential effects abound. In this roundtable discussion, MPMN editors spoke with experts about this cutting-edge technology. This session's participants include Mansoor Amiji, PhD, associate professor and codirector of the Nanomedicine Education and Research Consortium at Northeastern University; Christine Peterson, founder and vice president, public policy for the Foresight Nanotech Institute; and Chris Phoenix, director of research for the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology.
 Interconnect Technology Enhances Cable Assembly Performance
A manufacturer of cables and assemblies has introduced a wire welding and soldering operation aimed at facilitating high data-transmission speeds and mechanical strength in cable assemblies. Direct Attach technology by C&M Corp. (Wauregan, CT) is suited for high speed, high-performance computing applications, test equipment, and automation communications.
 Tool Company Supports Educating Skilled Workers
On the heels of a rewarding experience in 2005, Sandvik Coromant (Fair Lawn, NJ) will once again contribute to educating the nation's skilled workforce. The company has announced its return as a supporting organization for the 2006 SkillsUSA Championship in the field of precision machining technology.
 Data Collection System Goes Wireless
Wireless phones and Internet have infiltrated our daily lives, supplying convenience, mobility, and freedom from constricting cables. Because wireless technology has achieved such success, it makes sense to apply this concept to any device that would benefit from wireless operation. The L.S. Starrett Co. (Athol, MA) has modeled its wireless data collection system with this in mind.
February 2006
 Company Establishes Technology Task Force
A company specializing in plastics and rubber manufacturing has launched a Technology Task Force. Aimed at keeping the firm on the cutting edge, the task force will focus on researching new technologies and modifying them to enhance the firm's capabilities when applicable.
 Packaging and Thermal Seal Inspection System Available in One Unit
A rollstock machine is now integrated with a thermal seal inspection system. The R530 from Multivac (Kansas City, MO) enables users to package products at high speeds while inspecting, identifying, tracking, and, if necessary, rejecting packages based on specified parameters of their choosing. The unit, combined with the Maxline 2 thermal seal inspection product from Ircon (Niles, IL), provides 100% inspection of every seal without slowing production. This substantially lowers the likelihood of out-of-spec items being delivered to customers, according to Multivac.
January 2006
 Ask the Expert: Testing & Inspection
Patrick J. Nolan is Chief Operating Officer of DDL Inc., a full-service testing laboratory providing package, product, and material testing. Nolan has twenty years of experience in the package testing industry and is a frequent speaker at industry-related events.
 New Machine Seals the Deal
The cryopreservation of tissues and cells is a delicate matter. Flaws in packaging or storage can destroy life potential. For this reason, one company has created a heat sealer specifically suited for the packaging of tissues and cells for cryopreservation.
December 2005
 Gamma-Stabilized Membrane May Reduce Packaging Costs
Conventional EtO sanitization treatments can be time consuming due to a necessary quarantine step. And when time is money, any alternative is welcome.
 A Small Workforce Boasts Big Production
A completely automated 15,000 sq-ft facility enables a 12-person workforce to churn out 160 million stampings per year. Kramski (Largo, FL; www.kramski.com) has announced this cost-effective statistic in conjunction with its desire to test its humble group's limit by expanding the scope of the business.
Copyright ©2006 Medical Product Manufacturing News
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