Synergies and partnerships translate to more extrusion systems, and now include multi-lumen, TPE materials, and triple layer co-extrusion alongside our classic IV tube lines.
Our medical applications have grown to include multi-lumen, more materials like TPEs, and triple layer co-extrusion. The synergies coming from within the Davis-Standard group and our privileged partnerships with world leading manufacturers are proving beneficial. The result means more to offer alongside the high-performance flexible IV (intravenous) tube extrusion lines, a Maillefer classic.
Model line for multi-lumen Pebax®
The last three years have seen exciting developments in the portfolio destined for medical. Our model line recently demonstrated at an annual American exhibition was producing short lengths of four lumen Pebax® tube. It is one material of choice for medical applications involving fluid transfer, catheters and balloon tubing. The complete fully integrated line was equipped with Maillefer’s crosshead / die and entire downstream supply. All components, from extruder, vacuum calibration to precision cutter, are engineered and offered by us, from a single source.
Multi-lumen Pebax® construction
TPE in the mix
Progress in material processing continues as customers seek alternatives to PVC. Here thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is one avenue being exploited. Our screw and barrel designs offer the optimum processing solutions for these formulations. Our extruder design, crosshead and complete downstream configuration are revisited to meet the specific constraints for processing TPE.
Another avenue being explored is triple-layer coextrusion. Here customers take advantage of our multilayer expertise to produce tube with a filler, tie, or barrier material, while the inner and outer most layers serve to meet strict medical requirements. In terms of tube constructions, we propose both single as well as multilayer extrusion heads with or without striping.
Our classic gets even better
In addition to the above, the performance of our classic PML extrusion line for IV tube is improved. For example, we have optimized the entire cooling section and its footprint on the shop floor. The line is typically geared for a constant uninterrupted speed of 300 m/min. Even in compact layouts, high speeds are attainable with reliability and product quality.
Thanks to cooperation with the world’s leading medical device manufacturers, innovations on medical IV tube surface finish and for conditioning are here. Advantages are speed increase and product optimization that are carried over to the manufacturing processes located downstream.
Open for Industry 4.0
The entire line is designed and built to the strict requirements of the medical device industry. Available control systems include process monitoring, data logging, event alarms, recipe storage, scheduler, report generator and video monitoring. Plus, with an open design and huge data storage capabilities, the doors to digitalization are easily accessible in an Industry 4.0 environment.
On the horizon – in time for K
More is on the way. As the model line for multi-lumen makes it across the Atlantic, we make place for customers to come see it running at our R&D Center in Switzerland. The TPE developments continue, as do the multi-layer coextrusion ones. With the biggest plastic event coming up in October in Germany, what better time for you to learn more about medical from a single source. Plan your visit to our facilities and to K 2025.
Pascal Scaramuzzino, PhD