The following items were compiled by John Couretas at the Medical Design & Manufacturing show held in Anaheim, Calif., Jan. 10-12.
Tube wxtruder NDH to get new facility
Start-up firm NDH Medical Inc., a custom tubing extruder, plans to move into a new 6,000-square-foot plant in February.
NDH of St. Petersburg, Fla., initially will operate one extrusion line, said President Geary Havran. NDH exhibited at the show.
NDH, founded in July, will have Class 100,000 clean room facilities in the plant. It also plans to begin injection molding in the near future, Havran said in a telephone interview after the show.
Some larger medical device makers are trimming manufacturing operations, providing opportunities for suppliers like NDH, he said.
``We believe that will lead to less investment in manufacturing by some medical development firms,'' he said. ``There's a trend toward outsourcing.''
Clear, flexible PCVs have color stability
The Plastics Division of Teknor Apex Co. showcased a new series of clear, flexible PVC compounds that it says offers increased color stability following sterilization by gamma radiation.
Medical products made of flexible PVC compounds have a tendency to shift in color after gamma sterilization, the company said. Teknor Apex, based in Pawtucket, R.I., said the 90-A471R-NT compounds can withstand 10 megarads of gamma radiation with minimal color shifting.
Elf Atochem offers Pebax fpr gowns
Elf Atochem North America Inc. of Philadelphia introduced its Pebax TPEs to the medical market, with a special push for use in hospital gowns and other garments. Elf Atochem said Pebax films are waterproof, providing an effective barrier, but are also comfortably ``breathable.''
The polyether block amide resins also are used in other products, including catheters and medical tubing.
Miles' polymer unit introduces 3 resins
The Pittsburgh-based Polymers Division of Miles Inc. introduced three resins.
The Prism CM-200 solid PU reaction injection molding system is described as a fast-cycling material with a de-mold time of 60 seconds. The system, supplied as two liquid components, is suggested for applications that must meet stringent flammability requirements, Miles said.
The company also introduced a Makrolon DP1-1455 polycarbonate/polyester blend that it said offers high clarity and minimal change in the yellowness index when sterilized by gamma radiation.
Also introduced was a Makrolon DP1-1452 PC resin with an internal mold release that, Miles said, provides a 20 percent increase in mold-release performance compared to existing PCs with or without the additive.
New moldable TPE is soft, nonporous
GLS Corp. of Cary, Ill., introduced what it said is the softest injection-moldable TPE commercially available.
Supersoft Dynaflex G-6703 TPE, with a 3 Shore A hardness, is nonporous, does not absorb moisture or hold odor, and has superior elongation characteristics, GLS said.
The company said the new TPE was being pitched as an alternative to flexible foam polyurethanes and cast urethanes. Suggested applications include toys, sporting goods, medical products, bumpers and other shock-absorbing products.
