January 4, 2002

2 Min Read
Microsystem Coextrudes Tubing with Outer Diameters as Small as 0.4 mm

Originally Published MPMN January/February 2002

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Microsystem Coextrudes Tubing with Outer Diameters as Small as 0.4 mm

Ceramic microextrusions are being developed

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A microextrusion system designed primarily for medical applications attains 0.1 to 4.5 kg/hr outputs.

A micro coextrusion system enables the production of calibrated 0.4–4-mm-OD tubing from rigid and soft materials. Output ranges from 0.1 to 4.5 kg/hr. Designed primarily for medical applications, the machine is suited for the manufacture of tubing with up to three layers or with radiopaque markers.

The extrusion system from Gimac (Castronno, VA, Italy) is equipped with an Allen Bradley programmable logic controller and PC touch screen driving three microextruders fitted with an ac motor and feedback encoder. A vacuum calibration device with cooling unit and water recirculation tank is positioned under the support table. A laser gauge to control tubing diameters and a haul-off unit that achieves a maximum speed of 84 m/min are also part of the system. The extrusion equipment can be supplied with the support table or in discrete elements. A machine suited for four-layer microextrusions is also available.

Company owner Giorgio Maccagnan told MPMN that he is currently working on the development of ceramic microextrusions. "We have a patent on the process in partnership with the University of Bologna in Italy," says Maccagnan. Although the process is still in the testing phase, he anticipates numerous uses for the ceramic microtubes in surgical equipment and related medical applications.

Norbert Sparrow

Gimac, Via Roma 12, Castronno (VA)I-21040, Italy; Phone: +39 0332 892206; Fax: +39 0332 892234; [email protected]; G. Maccagnan

Copyright ©2002 PMedical Product Manufacturing News

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