MPMN July
Minimally invasive procedures satisfy patients’ desire for a quick recovery, and manufacturers are responding to the call for the devices needed to conduct those procedures. Patients can now look forward to shorter hospital stays and recovery times, and manufacturers can keep their teeth sharp by keeping up with—or staying ahead of—the demand. To help meet the demand, suppliers are standing ready with new techniques and ideas for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) device applications. MPMN explores some of these techniques and ideas in a special feature on minimally invasive devices. Also in this issue is a Regional Focus on South Florida, an Outsourcing Outlook on cleanroom manufacturing and assembly, a Spotlight on RoHS-compliant components, and more!
Products & Services
Fluoropolymer Component Coating
A nanostructured biocompatible coating of thin fluoropolymer layers can be applied to elements of precision assemblies in order to resolve surface problems when these components are used in critical medical device applications.
Marking Machine
A bench-type machine for marking all types of material up to a hardness of 62 HRc features an integrated control unit that operates without a computer interface.
LCD Module
A 5.6-in. thin-film-transistor (TFT) color liquid-crystal display (LCD) is designed to provide easy programmability for the rapid creation of a graphical user interface (GUI) in various product applications.
Toggle Press
A precision hand-operated toggle press with integrated process and electronic stroke control is designed for use with intricate press-fit assemblies.
Cylinder Position Sensor
A twin-set sensor comprising two sensing heads connected by an overmolded cable augments an existing line of cylinder position sensors.
In Brief
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (Madison, WI) has launched a new resource Web site for near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy users. In addition to NIR product and webinar news, the site offers interactive tools in its learning center, such as an ask-the-experts feature….Contract manufacturer and injection molding provider Spectrum Plastics Group (Minneapolis) has purchased rapid prototyping company Protogenic (Westminster, CO). The Westminster facility specializes in stereolithography models, RTV molded-cast urethanes, and direct-manufactured nylon parts using laser sintering….Innovation Matrix Inc. (San Jose), a distributor and system integrator of automation applications, has opened a branch in Kobe, Japan. Positioned to better service customers in Asia, the office will provide faster sales and technical response times….Early-bird conference registration rates for MD&M Midwest, which will take place in Rosemont, IL from September 22–25, will remain in effect until August 29. Post-deadline and on-site rates for the Canon Communications event go in effect after August 29….Highlighting power supply components and technology trends, electronica 2008 will be held in Munich from November 11–14. The event is organized by MMI, the Munich Trade Fairs International Group.
Need to Know
Research Center Pursues Roll-to-Roll Microelectronics
The Center for Advanced Microelectronics Manufacturing is driving research and development to produce microelectronic components in a roll-to-roll (R2R) format. CAMM is a collaborative effort by Binghamton University, Endicott Interconnect Technologies Inc., and Cornell University. Its goal is to create flexible, rugged, lightweight electronic components and products that will support next-generation applications in medical diagnostics, energy and power generation, product identification and tracking, and lighting and displays.
Technology Update
Improving Reliability One Component at a Time
Altering the layout of a printed circuit board (PCB), reducing the number of electronic components in a device, or choosing a capacitor with a different base material are all methods of tackling the critical issue of improving medical product reliability. With patients’ lives—not to mention their quality of life—at stake, demonstrating high reliability in medical devices is crucial to both the patient and the success of the product.
Breakthroughs
Molding Process Mirrors Accuracy of Diamond Turning for Microoptics
When a manufacturer of polymer-based optical components took on a project originally designed for the tight requirements of diamond-turned glass, it was confronted with a significant challenge. In order to arrive at the desired result, Fosta-Tek Optics was able to augment an injection molding process that achieved the quality and accuracy associated with diamond-turned glass optics in the production of plastic optics.
