Thermal fluid
NF(R)non-fouling, non-toxic heat transfer fluid is formulated to provide precise, uniform temperature control in low-pressure, closed-loop heat transfer systems to 600F. The clear, odorless fluid is certified by the FDA and USDA, and has passed medical device testing. It's also passed Bioassay with multiple species and can be recycled locally. Because the fluid is non-fouling, it shouldn't coat the system's heated surfaces with hard, baked-on carbon deposits when overheated.
Paratherm, 1050 Colwell Rd., Conshohocken, PA 19428-9428; www.paratherm.com.
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Polyphenylene sulfide
Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), a reported substitute for nylon, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and liquid crystal polymer (LCP), is formulated to provide strength, stability, and autoclavability for the handles of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) forceps. The comparatively inexpensive material is 40% glass fiber reinforced linear PPS, absorbs less water than nylon, and maintains sufficient dimensional stability during steam sterilization at 134C and 2.2 bar.
Ticona, 90 Morris Ave., Summit, NJ 07901; www.ticona.com.
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Luers
This line of male and female barbed luers is made of medical grade polysulfone. Components are designed to accommodate tube sizes from 1/16 through 1/4 inch. The polysulfone material meets USP Class VI, NSF, and CFR Food Contact, and should withstand repetitive autoclave cycles, EtO, Gamma, or E-beam sterilization.
Value Plastics, 3325 Timberline Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80525; FAX (970) 223-0953; www.valueplastics.com.
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Medical elastomer
Typically, compounds with dry reinforcing ingredients must use plasticizers, which extract and interact with the drug. This acrylonitrile butadiene compound is formulated without plasticizers, reportedly reducing drug contamination and increasing shelf life. The compound is made with FDA-listed ingredients, has a Shore A hardness of 74, and tensile strength of 2,200 psi. Some recommended uses include bronchial inhalers, pre-filled syringes, and other drug and pharmaceutical applications.
American Gasket and Rubber, 119 E. Commerce Dr., Schaumburg, IL 60173; FAX (847) 781-2491; www.tekni-plex.com.
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Molded rubber
By modifying the bumber design and molding the rubber with a more consistent SBR blend, thes company reportedly achieves a foot prosthetic that provides the fit, feel, and durability required in a prosthetic limb. Four bumbers are incorporated into the original design to act as muscles, tendons, and cartilage. The parts, measuring 1-1/2x1 inch were modified from their original cylindrical shape into an hourglass configuration to improve durability and performance.
Minnesota Rubber, 3630 Wooddale Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55416; FAX (612) 927-1470; www.mnrubber.com.
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Overlay material
These custom membrane switch assemblies feature Elastikote V, an overlay material that is designed to be soft to a user's touch and three or four times more abrasion resistant than industry standard hard coated polyesters and polycarbonates. Because it can be cleaned and sterilized without cracking, it is recommended for medical instrumentation, and other high-use devices, such as exercise equipment.
Silver Cloud Manufacturing, 525 Orange St., Millville, NJ 08332-5002; FAX (856) 825-8969; www.silver-cloud.com.
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