July 18, 2005

4 Min Read
Packaging

Originally Published MPMN July/August 2005

SPOTLIGHT

Packaging

Contract packaging services
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A manufacturer is FDA-registered for packaging and labeling medical devices and bulk pharmaceutical products. Products can be packaged in standard or custom glass or plastic bottles, pouches, tubes, canisters, or flamed, sealed ampules. Capabilities also include the handling and packaging of powders, gels, high- and low-viscosity liquids, creams, and sterile products from 1 to 2,800 g. Products are packaged in a Class 100 cleanroom. Polysciences Inc., Warrington, PA www.polysciences.com

Component packaging productsmpmn0507p32b.jpg

Packaging products are designed specifically for safe shipping and handling of medical devices. The product line is based on an ISO 9001:2000–certified manufacturer’s proprietary elastomer gel material, which provides a tacky, nonadhesive surface to securely hold small parts in place during transport. The material’s design eliminates the need for pockets or custom-molded packaging. One product is an integrated box system suited for handling medical components that are easily removed manually with tweezers or forceps, or by hand. The carriers are compatible with EtO and gamma sterilization methods, and can accommodate an array of device sizes and shapes. Gel-Pak, Hayward, CA www.gelpak.com

Plastic liners and containers
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A manufacturer uses patented melting technology to produce plastic liners and containers. The Melt-Phase process uses precut billets cut on close centers, allowing for efficient use of plastic and minimized waste. Products feature thin wall thicknesses, deep draw qualities, seamless design, and flexibility. The company’s offerings include traditional and engineered thermoplastics that are heat and chemical resistant. The conception-to-production process can be completed in 3 to 5 weeks. pbm plastics, Newport News, VA www.pbmplastics.com

Inventory repackaging services
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Inventory management services are designed to repackage and redeploy unused medical equipment.
A company cleans, sorts, inspects, repackages, and redeploys tens of thousands of opened but unused orthopedic devices, eliminating the cost associated with manufacturing new replacement parts. Commonly repackaged products include spinal, external fixation, and orthopedic trauma implants, and a range of surgical instruments. Millstone Medical Outsourcing, Fall River, MA www.millstonemedical.com

3-D modeling systemmpmn0507p32e.jpg

A rapid prototype machine is used to help customers build models of packaging products in hours. Part of a company’s line of CNC machines, solids software, and prototyping equipment, the machine can build small to medium-sized parts and models directly from 3-D drawings. The manufacturer can facilitate a sampling of packaging products and support a trial of the actual product concepts with the assistance of a sister company. Tray-Pak Corp., Reading, PA www.traypak.com

Pharmaceutical and medical bottlesmpmn0507p32f.jpg

A line of high- and low-density polyethylene narrow-mouth round bottles is available for pharmaceutical and medical applications. The series includes HD modern rounds (4–32 oz), HD/LD Boston rounds (0.5–16 oz), and HD/LD cylinder rounds (0.5–32 oz). Suitable for cough syrups, nutritional liquids, and powders, the bottles feature a variety of closure options, including child-resistant and continuous threaded systems. A range of liner materials is also available. Healthcare Packaging Group, O.BERK Co., Union, NJ www.oberk.com

Pouches, bags, and coversmpmn0507p32g.jpg

Bags for oxygen bottles, pulse oximeters, and pacemaker monitors are among a company’s line of customizable medical packaging. Capabilities range from pouches for wearable devices such as pain pumps, epilepsy monitors, and ECG recorders to large covers for hospital carts and sick-bed mattresses. Products can be designed to include the customer’s logo or customized graphics. The company’s quality management system is compliant with the ISO 9001:2001 standard. SeamCraft Inc., Chicago, IL www.seamcraft.com

Automated package testingmpmn0507p32h.jpg

A machine tests seal strength on medical device packaging and conforms to ASTM 1140-00 standards. The 2600 seal-strength tester performs burst and creep tests on a range of open or closed and porous or nonporous packages without complex parameter adjustments. Optional restraining plates meet ASTM 2054 standards. An integrity tester offered by the same firm facilitates visual verification of leaks in nonporous packages according to ASTM D-3078-94 standards. A vacuum pump and several test chamber sizes are available. Test-A-Pack Systems, Orchard Park, NY www.testapack.com

Copyright ©2005 Medical Product Manufacturing News

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