Medical Sector
Cost-efficient equipment for medical tubing Medical tubing applications continue to evolve while also playing a vital role in the delivery of quality healthcare worldwide. US extrusion machinery firm DavisStandard addresses important ROI factors in the selection and care of equipment required for medical tubing
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ith Covid-19, single-use plastics have been important to every industry, but have become even more critical for medical applications. Tubing equipment options are vast and costefficiency is essential, requiring processors to plan ahead to achieve maximum ROI.
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The following factors are vital: Product versatility Options for expanded capabilities Precise and consistent product development Cleanroom factors Space limitations
Product versatility and being able to expand capabilities is essential in a high-growth market such as medical tubing. Equipment that supports efficiency, maximum line speeds, consistent and measurable quality, and the ability to process a wide variety of materials is typically worth the investment. For medical tubing manufacturers, materials can range from FPVC, polyurethane (PU) and nylons to PEEK and FEP. Tubing lines can be customised based on customer applications. Typical line speeds range anywhere from 100 ft/minute to more than 800 ft/minute depending on the materials, tubing application and requirements. Types of tubing applications include: • Microbore • Alternate polymer • • • • • •
Davis-Standard can customise a tubing line based on customer applications
Multi-lumen catheter Endotracheal and tracheotomy Radio-opaque striped Cannula tube Pipettes and Multi-layer tubing compositions
Selection of equipment Choosing the right equipment from the onset, including extruder design, control systems and feedscrews, is the best way to ensure a faster ROI. Timely upgrades can also offer a costeffective option when needed. As with any precision process where technology advances are made on a regular basis, it is important to have access to an R&D line. Testing new resins, AUGUST 2020
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