Manufacturing technology

Core First Mate Last Break connectors

Fischer Core First Mate Last Break (FMLB) connectors offer electrical safety, mechanical reliability, and ease of use for operators of medical devices in compliance with IEC 60601-1.

FMLB ensures the permanent ground presence of an electrical system through a longer pin in the plug mating first and breaking last with the system’s receptacle to avoid risky electrical safety conditions. For example, it protects from electrostatic discharge (ESD), allowing any stray voltage to be routed to a safe ground to prevent harm to the operator and the voltage-sensitive equipment.

Fischer Core FMLB connectors are available in two sizes – 104 with a 15mm diameter plug and 1031 with a 13mm diameter plug – and three mixed low-voltage configurations. Fischer Core 104 A 130 and 1031 A 105 feature 14 pins: 3x 0.9mm power contacts for a maximum current of 9.5A for size 104 / 8.1A for size 1031, and 11x 0.5mm data contacts (including a longer FMLB contact for ground) for 5Gbit/s Ethernet. The Fischer Core 104 A 131 connector features 12x power and data contacts of 0.5mm (including the ground/FMLB longer contact) for 4.2A and 5Gbit/s Ethernet.

The Fischer Core FMLB connectors are IP68 sealed, resist autoclave sterilization and corrosion, and offer long lasting life cycles with 10,000 mating cycles.

https://www.fischerconnectors.com

ULTEM HU resins

Versatile and durable ULTEM HU resins can help medical device manufacturers choose alternatives to ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization. Demand is growing for materials compatible with other sterilization methods in anticipation of a new ruling by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that may reduce EtO emissions from commercial sterilization facilities. ULTEM HU resins are stable across many popular sterilization processes, providing the potential for multiple use options. These resins can also withstand multiple sterilization cycles. Their excellent retention of strength and color can help reduce breakage and discoloration, potentially extending use of applications made with these materials.

ULTEM HU resins are compatible with many mainstream sterilization methods, including vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) gas plasma, steam autoclave, gamma radiation, electron beam, X-ray, and ultraviolet-C. Under exposure to repeated sterilization cycles, these materials retain their high strength, dimensional stability, and attractive aesthetics.

Users can choose ULTEM HU1000 resin, an unfilled polyetherimide (PEI) featuring excellent mechanical and thermal properties, or ULTEM HU1004 resin, a PEI blend offering good ductility and enhanced hydrostability. These grades are biocompatible, resistant to chemicals, and inherently flame retardant.

Due to their strength and stiffness, unreinforced ULTEM HU resins can replace metal in medical device components, where they deliver light weight, design flexibility, and streamlined processing. SABIC’s glass fiber-reinforced grades, such as ULTEM HU2200 and HU2300 resins, may also be options when even higher strength is required.

https://www.sabic.com

Semi-automated tubing measuring

Lumetrics’ Scanning Tubing Measurement System (STMS) is designed for ease of use. The recipe driven, semi-automated measurement process is flexible and user friendly. The STMS includes a fully programmable menu structure to allow multiple measurement points with no manual intervention – just load and go. The STMS simultaneously measures tubing I.D., O.D., and wall thickness. The integrated motion control system varies position and rotation of the sample using a user-friendly, recipe driven, semi-automated process. The STMS is the non-contact measurement solution for medical device inspection where precision measurements of balloons and tubing is required.

https://www.lumetrics.com