Originally Published MPMN June 2003

HOTLINE

Custom Implant Packaging Combines Thermoplastic and Foam Materials

Products are cushioned from shock and vibration

Custom packaging manufactured in a Class 10,000 cleanroom provides particulate-free protection for hip and knee joint replacements, spinal disk spacers, bone fixators, and related implants. Supplied by UFP Technologies (Georgetown, MA), the custom-engineered packaging can also be designed to safely hold multiple products.

By combining thermoformed sheet plastic with foam, the company can transform a simple thermoformed tray into a protective cushioned package. The compression-molded foam inserts also allow the supplier to adapt its standard base tray to meet various OEM requirements. For example, the foam can be used to convert a standard tray into a package that can accommodate several products. This enables a reduction in tooling costs and may allow OEMs to trim their inventory of differently sized containers. The foam retainers are available in a range of colors to support product branding.

The overall package design provides shock and vibration protection throughout the distribution chain. The materials withstand sterilization, and the use of clear thermoformed plastics to create the plastic shell facilitates item identification and retrieval.

Founded in 1963, UFP operates 10 plants and three satellite facilities in North America. Its engineered packaging division designs and manufactures interior protective packaging using molded fiber, vacuum-formed plastics, and molded and fabricated foam plastic products. The component products division applies laminating, molding, and fabrication expertise to the design and manufacture of engineered components.

Norbert Sparrow

UFP Technologies Inc., 1235 National Ave., Addison, IL 60101-3179; phone: 630/543-2855; fax: 630/543-9820; [email protected]; www.ufpt.com

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