Spotlight on manufacturing technology

XK10 alignment laser system

Added functionality for Renishaw’s XK10 alignment laser system enables users to perform point-to-point parallelism measurements and make precise adjustments to machine parallelism at a level previously impossible using traditional measurement techniques.

The XK10 alignment laser system provides a fast, precise, and efficient measurement tool for straightness, squareness, rotational parallelism, rail parallelism, flatness, and level, as well as assessing spindle direction and coaxiality of rotary machines – a powerful tool for diagnosing the source of errors following a rebuild or as part of regular maintenance.

Traditionally, users achieved parallelism measurements by using a bridge plate and master rail, in combination with a dial gage and level meter – a time-consuming and error-prone process. Alternatively, XK10 uses laser measurements to capture two points on each rail, allowing the angle between the two rails to be determined and digitally recorded.

Renishaw
https://www.renishaw.com/xk10

Clear thermoplastic for steam sterilization

Many one-time use consumable tools are made of clear plastic that can’t withstand steam or ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization. Answering that challenge is Grilamid TR HT 200, a clear plastic which can be EtO or steam sterilized several times, allowing for multiple, reliable use.

The amorphous polyamide Grilamid TR HT 200, with a light transmission rate above 90% (2mm plaques) is the first transparent polyamide worldwide which can be repeatedly steam sterilized at 273°F (134°C) for 400 cycles yet still maintain transparency, color, and strength.

For safe sterilization, steam [248°F to 298°F (120°C to 148°C)] is used under high pressure for a stipulated length of time. This sterilization method is commonly used in hospitals, surgery centers, dental offices and elsewhere. Polycarbonate can’t be steam sterilized more than 10x and materials such as PSU, PPSU, and PEI which can tolerate the temperature and repeated cycles, have a yellow to amber color which further darkens after use.

EMS-Grivory America
https://www.emsgrivory.com

Non-cytotoxic optically clear epoxy

EP30-4Med two-part epoxy is a relatively fast setting system – depending upon application and substrates – with fixture removal often possible in 15 minutes to 25 minutes.

Full cure can be achieved in about 24 hours at 75°F while ideal cure is around 1 to 2 hours at 75°F followed by 1 to 2 hours at 135°F to 150°F. Upon cure, EP30-4Med exhibits a Shore D hardness of 75 to 85.

This low viscosity system meets the requirements of ISO 10993-5 testing and is non-cytotoxic.

It can be used for bonding, sealing, and small encapsulation applications as well as a coating, especially when optical clarity is needed.

Designed to resist ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization, it also withstands most detergents, disinfectants, bleaches, and liquid sterilants and is recommended for medical device manufacturing applications for disposable and reusable instruments.

EP30-4Med has an easy-to-handle 2 to 1 mix ratio by weight and possesses a low viscosity of 1,000cps to 3,000cps for Part A and 20cps to 100cps for Part B. This epoxy has a refractive index of 1.55 and maintains good electrical insulation properties throughout time. Its volume resistivity is greater than 1,015O·cm. It forms strong bonds even in thin sections.

Master Bond
https://www.masterbond.com