Mixed Media

Motion control components

A general catalogue in two cross-referenced volumes presents the entire line of motion control components available from a specialist supplier. Available in English and German versions, the catalogue provides full information about linear guides, linear actuators, ball screws, rotary bearings, and other products and accessories. One volume of the catalogue contains technical product information, including load evaluation and life calculations; product tolerances and accuracy values; available options; and mounting information. The other volume presents product details through the medium of dimensional charts and drawings and explains the model number coding for each product. To facilitate navigation, the catalogue features a pictorial product overview at the beginning of the technical-information volume and includes an alphabetical index.

THK GmbH
Ratingen, Germany
www.thk.com

 

ERP software webinar

 

A webinar video available to be viewed on demand presents a discussion of six ways to cut costs in manufacturing. Geared toward issues of operational efficiency and economy in small- and medium-sized enterprises, the video, which is viewable through a business software supplier’s website, offers the ideas of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software specialist. The expert lays out the framework of ERP strategies that small and midsize manufacturers and distributors can employ to manage their next phase of growth. These include space of implementation, scalability, cost, advancement of lean manufacturing and interoperability. ERP software systems offered by the company that has posted the webinar include modules relating to inventory control and business intelligence.

 

Syspro
Manchester, UK
www.syspro.com

 

Package validation white paper

A white paper issued by a US contract manufacturer and provider of related contract testing services discusses how engineers can make the most of packaging validation programmes, and presents available options in the testing of medical device packaging. Specifically addressing package validation requirements for medical devices and combination products, the document, which can be downloaded from the contractor’s website, provides insight into the general requirements of microbiological and physical testing programmes. Its argument is that programmes for validating medical device packaging should be designed to encompass actual product storage and shipment conditions. The paper makes the points that a robust packaging validation regimen is essential, that the programme should include transportation simulation testing with concomitant sterility testing, and that a comprehensive regulatory approach to validation during early product development can save weeks of design revision and testing activities later.

Microtest Laboratories Inc.
Agawam, MA, USA
www.microtestlabs.com

 

Guide to design for Six Sigma

 

A reference guide in book form explains how the principles of design for Six Sigma (DFSS) can be integrated into the medical device development cycle so as to optimise device quality and minimise product lead time, development and manufacturing costs, and total product life cycle cost. Replete with real-world examples and self-characterised as a road map for safety and effectiveness, the guide integrates numerous established conceptualisation and design methods, discusses contemporary and emerging design methods, and covers the structural, organisation, and technical deployment of DFSS within the medical device industry. It provides a detailed, step-by-step implementation process for each DFSS tool presented and includes a DFSS case study describing the development of a new device. One chapter in the guide is a global overview of DFSS and medical device regulations.

 

Research and Markets Ltd
Dublin, Ireland
www.researchandmarkets.com

 

 

Membrane switches

A fully illustrated 12-page design guide describes the types of membrane switches a company offers and provides assistance in determining the suitability of a membrane switch for a particular product or instrument. The booklet includes presentations of various user interfaces with graphic overlays that have such features as embossing, display windows, selective texturing, and interchangeable legends and come in a choice of materials. It also discusses equipment interface criteria and support panels and offers technical specifications. Developed in part to help customers understand the design parameters necessary to solicit quotations, the membrane switch design guide outlines factors to consider with regard to use and installation of each type of switch, including material selection, connectivity, and shielding against electrostatic discharge, electromagnetic interference, and radio-frequency interference.

Nameplates for Industry Inc.
New Bedford, MA, USA
www.nfi.name

 

Adhesive-tapes reference kit

A desk reference catalogue available from a specialist medical tape manufacturer is designed to help medical material converters and device component producers with selection of medical tapes. The catalogue provides not only detailed product descriptions and application data but also samples of standard products in the supplier’s portfolio. One page is dedicated to each specialist adhesive or foam or film material, with a sample attached for handling and examination. The book can be updated; pages are easily added as new products are introduced to the line. Indexed in various ways, the catalogue can be searched by product construction or product name and number, and its table of contents enables specific products or product categories to be located at a glance. It is part of a full reference kit that includes the catalogue data on compact disc and an accompanying brochure that summarises standard and custom solutions for various product applications.

 

Avery Dennison
Turnhout, Belgium
www.averydennison.com