Originally Published MPMN October 2001

HOTLINE

Miniature Micrometer Head Aligns Optical Components

Unit requires little space or operating force

A differential miniature micrometer head from Del-Tron Precision Inc. (Birmingham, MI) is suited for precision laboratory instruments and other optical devices. The DF-1 ultrafine head aligns components while minimizing space and operating-force requirements. The small unit measures 0.450 in. diam and is 1.656 in. long. "Most other comparable devices are two to three times that long," says the company's vice president of marketing Ed Keane. In addition to its compact size, the device offers a range of adjustment capabilities. Total coarse movements span 0.25 in. with reductions of 254:1 or 508:1. Maximum fine adjustments range from 0.020 to 0.040 in.

The DF-1 head mounts to linear slides, stages, or the company's 99-series subminiature multiaxis positioners using a finely threaded barrel. Coarse adjustment is performed via a knurled ring that moves the spindle 0.025 in. per revolution. A thimble at the rear of the device performs fine adjustment of 0.002–0.004 in. per revolution. A hardened spindle ball reduces friction and wear.

Zachary Turke

Del-Tron Precision Inc., 5 Trowbridge Dr., Bethel, CT 06801; Phone: 203/778-2727; Fax: 203/778-2721

Downstream Unit Boosts Film and Sheet Throughput

System is suited for production of medical films and transdermal drug-delivery devices

Available for use with any high-speed single- or twin-screw extruder, a film and sheet downstream system facilitates compounding, devolatizing, and reactive extruding. Offered by Leistritz (Sumerville, NJ), the system is designed for use with the company's ZSE-27 twin-screw extruder, and produces 5–125-mil-thick samples up to 12-in. wide. Typical end products include medical films and transdermal drug-delivery devices. The three-roll stack uses 8-in. diameter x 14-in. spiral baffled mirror-finish rolls with rotary unions for liquid cooling or heating. A 3-hp ac flux vector motor drive enables a 1000:1 turndown ratio. Air cylinders provide 500 pli. The upgraded roll-stack design accommodates the high throughput rates associated with the new 1200-rpm version of the ZSE-27. Options include a gear pump front-end attachment, edge trim devices, payoff stations for lamination, a winder or guillotine, and coextrusion packages. "The unit is ideal for medical film and sheet development, narrow-width production, and transdermal applications," says general manager Charlie Martin.

"It integrates the features of larger production systems into a small-scale system."

Katherine Sweeny

Leistritz, 169 Meister Ave., Somerville, NJ 08876; Phone: 908/685-2333; Fax: 908/685-0247

Software Provides Paperless Quality Data System

Read-only version allows access to reports and operator instructions

Quality control and engineering software is designed to allow users to view operator instructions by means of a touch screen or industrial PC within the manufacturing environment. Offered by Integral Solutions Inc. (Royal Oak, MI), Operator Planning and Control Tool (OPACT) 2001 is a view-only version of the company's MPACT 2001 advanced quality-planning software. OPACT shares the MPACT database to ensure the latest controls are being followed via updated control plans. On-line operator instructions can include visual aids to illustrate manufacturing process steps. The new version also incorporates e-mail operations to facilitate communication between operators, manufacturing supervisors, and engineers via MAPI-compliant e-mail software such as Microsoft Outlook, Eudora, and Lotus Notes.

According to company president Dane Barranger, "OPACT can supply timely, easy-to-access quality data right where the operators are located. There's no need for manufacturers to deal with hard-copy documentation that must be constantly updated."

OPACT also takes advantage of some of MPACT's enhancements such as Web reporting, which allows users to share reports and documents with customers or partners over the Internet or through their company's internal site. Medical device manufacturing support includes labels and terminology for drug hardware and disposables, as well as First Article and First of Code support.

Katherine Sweeny

Integral Solutions Inc., 222 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak, MI 48067-2607; Phone: 248/543-6040; Fax: 248/543-2882; Internet: www.integralsolutions.com

Copyright ©2001 Medical Product Manufacturing News