Materials

  • Structural and TPE Compounds Lend Strength and Dexterity to Prosthetic Fingers
    The prosthetic hand's design uses a glass-filled rigid thermoplastic polyurethane to provide the inner structure of the fingers and multi-position thumb.
    (August, 2010)
  • Lead Screw Assemblies Designed to Facilitate Product Miniaturisation
    Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions has applied its knowledge of precision thread rolling to a range of micro-sized lead screws. Standard configurations include 2-mm diameter screws with leads ranging from 0.3- to 2-mm per revolution and a variety of nut configurations of self-lubricating acetal and Kerkit...
    (August, 2010)
  • Zwick Roell Recognises Research with Materials Testing Awards
    Materials-testing system manufacturer Zwick Roell will present the 2010 Zwick Roell Science Awards in March 2011 at RWTH Aachen University in Germany. The awards will recognise researchers whose work demonstrates the innovative use of materials-testing equipment to develop new materials. First priz...
    (July, 2010)
  • Addressing the Challenges of Working with Nitinol
    A manufacturer has developed a procedure to broaden the scope of nitinol applications in areas such as orthopaedics, ophthalmic procedures and minimally invasive surgery.
    (June, 2010)
  • Two Decades of Evolution and Revolutions
    Significant changes in materials usage, the rise of electron beam sterilisation and a reminder of some unrecognised heroes are featured in this 20-year perspective on industry developments.
    (June, 2010)
  • The Role of Ceramic and Glass Powder Processing in Medical Devices
    Employing factorial experimental design modelling during product development can bring a number of benefits. These include consistency and improved quality of granulate coatings for metal implants as well as the ability to predict possible osteoblast–osteoclast behaviour following implantation...
    (June, 2010)
  • Compounder Expands Line of Transparent Medical TPEs
    New easy-flow grades have been added to a line of oil-free thermoplastic compounds for medical applications. Part of the VTC TPE Group’s Mediprene OF series, the grades are currently available in hardnesses of 60 to 90 Shore A. Harder and softer formulations can be accommodated on demand. The ...
    (May, 2010)
  • Colour and Performance-Enhancing Materials Are Tested to ISO 10993
    New colour and performance-enhancing materials for the medical market have been introduced by Clariant. The elastomer derivative polyether block amide, polyamide 11 and a dozen tailored products for catheter tubing feature, among other properties, radiopacity that enables visualisation even with thi...
    (May, 2010)
  • Conductive ink formulated for screen-printing
    A flexible, high-temperature, electrically conductive silicone ink offers all the properties of typical silicone products but is also screen printable. The ink can be used on surfaces such as Kapton, Teflon and rubber. Though formulated for screen-printing, it also can be dispensed by syringe, and d...
    (May, 2010)
  • Transitions in Gold
    Gold, as with some other noble metals such as platinum and silver, has a fascinating, if checkered history in medicine, with some unexplained benefits and significant powers to do harm. Interest in this metal is now increasing thanks to a greater understanding of the mechanisms by which it interacts...
    (May, 2010)
  • Phthalate-free TPEs can replace PVC in medical applications
    Clear, phthalate-free thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) from Elastocon TPE Technologies can be used as alternatives to PVC materials in medical products. The CLR series of TPEs are available in 65 and 75 Shore A hardnesses, giving tubing made from them a soft feel. Developed for applications that req...
    (April, 2010)
  • Strategies for Biodegradable, Resorbable Polymers
    As medical technologies evolve and the performance of biomaterials within the human body becomes better understood, there appears to be an increasing demand for degradable and resorbable polymers. New strategies are being developed to meet this demand.
    (April, 2010)
  • Medical Coatings and Surfaces: Where Worlds Collide
    This review of surface solutions describes some of the latest technologies available to improve device performance. These include a non-biofouling technology that offers mechanical durability and the inhibition of microbial adhesion, as well as technology that modifies rather than coats the polymer ...
    (April, 2010)
  • Franche-Comté, l’innovation au service de la santé
    Depuis plusieurs années, la Franche-Comté s’est engagée à fédérer l’ensemble des énergies régionales (publiques et privées) autour d’un même objectif : être une référence mondiale en mati&egrav...
    (April, 2010)
  • West Midlands: From Metal Bashing to Medical Technology
    The UK’s signature medical cluster continues to be a hotbed of innovation and manufacturing. To continue improving its operations, products and services, however, the med-tech industry must have equitable access to finance.
    (March, 2010)
  • PC Resin Puts Smooth Moves on Safety Syringe Device
    A polycarbonate’s internal mould release properties also improve lubricity in the moulded part 
    (March, 2010)
  • The Technologies of Parkinson’s Disease
    Parkinson’s disease has a complex aetiology, and is progressive and difficult to treat. It is, however, a prime example of how different medical technologies can be utilised in efforts to provide relief from suffering. This article discusses and compares these different approaches.
    (March, 2010)
  • First Look - March 2010
    Spot cure system can control four LED heads simultaneously A new UV LED spot curing system from EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering provides a peak irradiance of 9500 mW/cm² with a lifetime of more than 20 000 hours. The OmniCureLX400 can control up to four UV LED heads simult...
    (March, 2010)
  • Dry Natural Rubber Components in Prefilled Syringes
    The release of allergenic proteins from the dry natural rubber (DNR) components of prefilled syringes into aqueous pharmaceuticals may potentially induce an immediate allergic reaction in individuals with a latex protein allergy. This article reviews the current risks to patients in the context of v...
    (March, 2010)
  • The Use of PEEK for Advanced Active Implants
    Implantable polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a biocompatible and stable polymer that offers a variety of advantages over other accepted implant materials such as ceramics, metals and other polymers. Its properties have been assessed to determine its potential benefits for active implantable medical ...
    (March, 2010)
  • Affinity Membranes: A Tool to Remove Pathogens
    Affinity membranes can selectively remove bacteria, endotoxins and viruses from biologically active liquids and water. Their use is set to rise. The mechanism and capabilities of the technology are described.
    (February, 2010)
  • Porous Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives
    Today’s porous adhesives can add functional capabilities beyond bonding to diagnostic and wound-care devices. Their properties and potential applications are described.
    (February, 2010)
  • How Parylene Conformal Coatings Can Enhance Reliability
    Parylenes N and C have been employed for coating a range of ever smaller implantable and external devices. The recent availability of Parylene HT now offers additional advantages for medical device applications. The properties of these materials are reviewed.
    (February, 2010)
  • The Prognosis for Medical Nanocomposites
    Nanocomposites are undoubtedly making an impact in many fields of technology, where profound advantages over conventional composites can be readily identified. Whether they have a role in medical technology is yet to be determined. The answer may lie in the degree of subtly that is brought to the un...
    (February, 2010)
  • Selecting and Using the Right Adhesive
    Choosing the optimum adhesive for a medical device can be difficult. Help is provided here in determining the right adhesive for the application and making it work in production situations.
    (January, 2010)