Originally Published July 2000

HOTLINE

Split-and-Turn Machine Realigns Package Printing

Twin registration produces matched webs

Aligning print on the front and back of a package remains a challenge. Conventional packaging machines rely on a double-web system that allows only one web to be printed at a time, making it difficult to perfectly match the other web. To remedy that problem, Doyen Medipharm Inc. (Lakeland, FL) devised a split-and-turn unwind system that uses a unique procedure to register print, especially on cold-seal applications.

The split-and-turn unwind system enables improved print registration, particularly in cold-seal applications.

The system incorporates a twin registration capability, running two webs from a single reel to ensure that the print will be aligned. According to sales manager Noel Blake, "Squares on independent webs no longer line up after 100 reels. But if there is one reel of film and the squares are printed side to side and slit down the middle, then both sides of the pack stay in register." Another common problem in the printing process is a minute slip in the machinery, which can lead to more serious problems when the slip affects only one web. "Two reels absolutely in register is an impossibility in the printing process," says Blake. By using only one reel, the expected slips would be applied to both squares at the same time. Also, tension is the same on both webs, guaranteeing suitable registration.

The system was originally designed for the European market for wound pads and found to be suitable for both heat- and cold-seal applications. When using cold seal, the machine operates at a rapid speed, thus increasing output. Web drifts are self-corrected using an automatic guiding system, and changes in tension can be made by an automatic tension control on the diameter of the reel. The system also includes cradle-mounted reels, quick-release safety chucks, and graduated scales. An integrated multimedia system is provided to train operators on machine operation, troubleshooting, safety, maintenance, and parts. The split-and-turn machine can be validated and is GMP compliant.—Linda Nugent

Ceramic-to-Metal Parts Introduced

First time technology is used in medical applications

A new family of medical implant components has been introduced. Designed to provide reliability and durability, these components feature the company's ceramic-to-metal seal assembly technology.

Implant components that incorporate ceramic-to-metal seal assembly technology may help to minimize device failures.

Developed by Alberox (New Bedford, MA), the implants allow flexibility for custom applications. The products are constructed from a variety of metal components and high-purity alumina (Al₂O₃) ceramic. This ceramic-to-metal design allows for competitive manufacturing through a repeatable manufacturing process. The design flexibility, along with the availability of upper-level builds, enables the supplier to produce components to a customer's specifications at a low cost.

"Alberox has been making ceramic-to-metal components for years, but only for other industries," says Scott MacKenzie, a company representative. "This is the first time that we've offered the technology to the medical industry."

The implant components feature robust designs that minimize the risk of a device failure. They are thermal-shock resistant and are constructed of biocompatible, corrosion-resistant materials. The good electrical properties of the ceramic allow for smaller feed-throughs. The assemblies are also 100% traceable for both process and components, and are produced in an ISO 9002– certified facility.—Karim Marouf

Antibacterial Touch Screen Developed for Hospital, Cleanroom Use

Technology is registered with the EPAA new touch screen provides advantages for environments where cleanliness is critical.

The CleanScreen from MicroTouch Systems Inc. (Methuen, MA) is the world's first touch screen to incorporate antibacterial technology registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. To create the CleanScreen, a resistive membrane is permanently bonded to the glass surface of the company's ClearTek 3000 touch screen, providing a surface where bacteria and other microbial contaminants cannot grow. The screen is designed for applications where hygiene is a concern, such as in cleanroom manufacturing and hospitals.

Permanently bonded to the touch screen surface, the resistive membrane does not affect display clarity.

CleanScreen was developed in response to rising consumer concern about bacterial and microbial contamination. In the United States, the number of products that incorporate antibacterial properties increased from 36 in 1992 to 242 in 1998, according to a New York–based research firm. The rise of touch screen systems in healthcare and cleanroom environments also prompted the technology. According to Janet Muto, MicroTouch vice president of worldwide marketing, "The touch screen is rapidly replacing the keyboard and buttons as the common user interface in many . . . systems because it is intuitively easy to use. CleanScreen gives users a new level of confidence that the surface of the touch screen is protected from contaminants."

The product has several advantages over traditional touch screen cleaning procedures. CleanScreen has no effect on display optics or clarity; it is resistant to contamination and easily cleaned. CleanScreen is also safe for the user and the environment because it contains no arsenic, heavy metals, or polychlorinated phenols. The resistive membrane does not leach into the environment, migrate to a user's hands, or wear off when the screen is cleaned. Moreover, unlike conventional antimicrobials and disinfectants, the technology does not allow bacteria or fungi to adapt or create resistant organisms.

MicroTouch is delivering ClearTek 3000 touch screens with CleanScreen to customers at no extra cost. —Jodi Triplett

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