Microchip announces ‘Cash for Clunkers’

Microchip Technology's (microchip.com) “Cash for Clunkers” development-tool exchange program, provides embedded designers with a cost-effective way to do their part for the environment while getting better battery mileage. The current model year PIC microcontrollers feature nanoWatt XLP technology for extended battery life of up to 20 years. The Chandler, AZ-based provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, says since Uncle Sam isn't offering the electronics industry any bailouts it wants to do its part stimulate better designs by giving embedded engineers an attractive incentive to trade up for more sleek and modern development tools.

Microchip's Cash for Clunkers program allows embedded designers who are tired of looking at the faded paint jobs on their old tools to exchange selected models from Microchip's competitors for a rebate as high as 30% — up to a $120 savings. Also, Microchip will dispose of all exchanged competitor tools in an appropriate manner.

Rebates can be used on any of Microchip's analog and digital development tools, which work with its more than 600 models of 8-, 16- and 32-bit PIC MCUs, and its best-in-class memory semiconductors. Tools can be ordered directly from Microchip at http://www.microchip.com/get/400714397569444, or on the Web sites of any authorized Microchip dealership.

The program ends Oct. 30, 2009. To learn more about the Microchip Cash for Clunkers development-tool exchange program, visit http://www.microchip.com/get/400714327546296.

Delcam establishes healthcare division

UK-based CADCAM developer Delcam (delcam.com) has established a dedicated healthcare division. The new division will help companies across the medical, dental, and associated industries to apply Delcam's expertise and experience in taking advantage of the latest design and manufacturing techniques. Delcam's Commercial Director Bart Simpson, has been appointed head of the division.

In addition, Delcam has introduced several specific products for the healthcare market over the last two years. These include the DentCAD and DentMILL programs for the design and manufacture of dental restorations, and the OrthoModel and OrthoMill software for the development of orthotics. The company also offers special versions of its CRISPIN range of footwear design and manufacturing software for the production of orthopedic footwear.

Delcam's design, reverse engineering, machining, and inspection software are used in a wide range of applications from the production of prostheses to the manufacture of surgical instruments and medical packaging. The PartMaker machining system is for turn-mill equipment and Swiss-type lathes. These machines are used extensively for the manufacture of medical and dental components, to the extent that around 70% of PartMaker sales already come from the healthcare industry.

ISO Watch

MRPC, Butler, WI (mrpcorp.com), achieved ISO 13485 certification. The certification covers all disciplines within the company. MRPC is also ISO 9001 certified. The certificate confirms that MRPC has successfully implemented a quality management system that matches the worldwide quality management system standard for medical devices.

MEETINGS & SHOWS

Oct 20 to 22, Medical Design and Manufacturing Minneapolis - The MD&M Minneapolis conference and exposition at the Minneapolis Convention Center will present advances in medical materials, assembly, and electronic components. Other exposition areas include CAD and CAM software, production equipment, automation and controls, packaging materials and machinery, medical-device software and validation solutions, enterprise-wide IT, sterilization systems, and a range of contract service providers.
devicelink.com/expo/minn09/

Feb 9 to 11, Medical Design and Manufacturing West- The MD&M West conference and exposition at the Anaheim Convention Center will present advances in medical materials, assembly, and electronic components. Other areas include CAD and CAM software, production equipment, automation and controls, packaging materials and machinery, medical-device software and validation solutions, enterprise-wide IT, sterilization systems, and a range of contract service providers. MD&M West attendees may attend six concurrent industry-related shows under the same roof: Pacific Design & Manufacturing, Electronics West, Automation Technology Expo (ATX) West, PLASTEC West Pavilion, WestPack, and Green Manufacturing
http://www.devicelink.com/expo/west09/