HOTLINE
GLS Corp. (McHenry, IL) has introduced a series of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) designed to replace polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and silicone-based elastomers in medical applications. Because of a negative safety perception of the material, some manufacturers are seeking alternatives to PVC, especially in the infant care industry. Other manufacturers are seeking alternatives to silicone in order to reduce production costs or increase design flexibility. GLS Corp.'s TPEs feature many of the favorable characteristics of these materials in a solution that is potentially safer than PVC and cheaper than silicone, according to the company. Thermoplastic elastomers are suited for a variety of medical applications, including medical tubing, elastomeric sheet and film products, and medical devices.
A new series of high-performance motors was specifically designed for powering precision instruments such as surgical hand pieces and similar medical and dental power tools. The SLH slotless brushless dc motors from Emoteq Corp., an Allied Motion Technologies Co. (Tulsa, OK), offer high-speed operation to 75,000 rpm.
When approached to fix crimp failure in catheters, a maker of integrated assembly and test systems saw its chance to shine. Promess Inc. (Brighton, MI), which boasts the nickname the “Problem Solver,” proposed a new method of crimping catheters. The result was a robust product that would not fail at a medically critical time.
