Originally Published MPMN September 2006

SPOTLIGHT

Adhesives, Fillers, and Dispensers

Robots

Robots are designed for adhesives, sealants, and lubricants. The RP series can also perform secondary functions such as assembly and pressing. A graphical software interface provides control of inputs and outputs and logic commands to satisfy virtually any custom dispensing, filling, or assembly operations. The machine’s embedded processor includes a dual memory including a flash card. A solid cast-aluminum base is pretapped for quick mounting of fixtures or tooling to the base.
Dispense Works Inc., McHenry, IL
www.dispenseworks.com

Benchtop centrifuge

A centrifuge improves process control by purging silicones, epoxies, and other medium- to high-viscosity fluids of bubbles and air pockets that can affect shot-to-shot consistency in critical medical device assembly processes. The ProcessMate 5000 can be used with vendor-packaged or user-loaded syringe barrels. It can purge up to four 3-, 5-, 10-, or 30-cm3 syringes at a time. Safety features include a locking lid and an electric brake to stop the rotor before the lid is opened.
EFD Inc., East Providence, RI
www.efd-inc.com

Adhesive technology

An adhesive adds value and function to Tyvek, Ovantex, and paper for rollstock, lid, and pouch applications. Xhale adhesive technology uses a proprietary hot-melt coating process to apply environmentally friendly 100% solids to a substrate in a uniform dot pattern. Dots merge during sealing, providing a caulked effect for verification of a strong seal. The adhesive provides good porosity, which enables medical device manufacturers to save money with accelerated EtO sterilization cycles and faster setup and run speeds.
Oliver Medical, Grand Rapids, MI
www.olivermedical.com

Peristaltic pump dispenser

A pump dispenser provides volumetric dispensing of low-viscosity materials such as cyanoacrylates, oils, and solvents without the need for compressed air. The PPD-130 uses peristaltic pump technology to dispense material directly from its original packaging. By eliminating the need to transfer the material from its original packaging, the risks of material contamination and operator contact are reduced. The suck-back feature reverses the pump after dispensing to prevent material from dripping between cycles and also allows the material tube to be emptied when dispensing is complete.
I&J Fisnar Inc., Fair Lawn, NJ
www.ijfisnar.com

Polyester adhesive tape

A durable, heavyweight fabric adhesive tape is available for direct skin medical device attachment. Bioflex Rx1184P-2.4 is specifically designed for bandages, insulin infusion sets, ECG, and TENS electrodes. The material is made of a breathable white spunlaced polyester fabric, single coated with a medical-grade acrylic adhesive. It is supplied with a white 76-lb polycoated stay-flat release liner that aids in die-cutting. The aggressive acrylic adhesive in the product provides good adhesion to the skin for long-term wear, yet removes easily without causing skin trauma. The adhesive is available in widths up to 60 in., and has passed primary skin irritation, cytotoxicity, and skin sensitization product safety testing.
Scapa North America, Windsor, CT
www.scapamedical.com

Adhesive coating

A firm offers adhesives suitable for converting for medical devices, a line of tapes, and contract manufacturing services. The tapes are low sensitizing and skin friendly, with good holding power to the skin. The coating is used on nonwovens, films, foams, and fabrics.
Actavis Norway AS, Vennesla, Norway
www.norgesplaster.com

Liquid filler

An automatic liquid filler is designed for both sterile and nonsterile cleanroom conditions. The multifunction monoblock Model FPCCL-12H processes a wide variety of glass and plastic containers including microtubes, plugs and tips, screw caps, and brush-tip caps at a rate of up to 60 cycles per minute. The unit also inserts rubber stoppers into serum vials.
Chase-Logeman Corp., Greensboro, NC
www.chaselogeman.com

Copyright ©2006 Medical Product Manufacturing News