A balloon visual inspection system with enhanced pneumatic rotary air chucks for quick and easy loading and unloading of balloons and a tight, reliable seal, and a vision system with an LCD display that improves tube welding operations are expected to reduce cycle times and ensure production consistency of balloon catheter production. The equipment upgrades were announced by Interface Catheter Solutions, Laguna Niguel, CA.

The new air chucks reduce cycle time inspection processing.  Additional upgrades include higher pressure capability for pressures up to 13 atmospheres along with a digital pressure output gauge for improved pressure accuracy. An ionizing knife blows static free air while rotating the balloon under pressure before each inspection process.  The ionizing knife reduces particles, thereby reducing potential false-negative testing results. The balloon visual inspection system can provide accurate measurements and images to confirm pass or fail inspections, potentially increasing manufacturing yields.  Reports are traceable to the production lot and the inspector. 

The vision system upgrade to the Interface TBW-500 tubing welding machine consists of an LCD touch-screen display that improves visibility of the welding operation; is simple to operate; and stores welding parameters (PC controlled operation). Objects can be selected and adjusted by touch and drag. The crosshair function for accurate welding operation works by simply touching the desired selection and a drop-down box indicates the status of that selection. Files can be uploaded from the system’s library or in a designated location for repeatable welding results.  A capture option produces an exact copy of what is displayed on the screen for operator and inline quality inspection.  The vision system camera offers two movable adjustments, including a focus and a light polarization adjustment for improved operator visualization. The TBW-500 also has a quick exchange welding jaw for faster and simplified setup and change out of jaws for multiple welding operations.

Interface has created more than 2,100 balloon designs and offers balloon design and development, balloon contract manufacturing, extruded balloon tubing, custom medical extrusion, and a comprehensive line of balloon catheter production and testing equipment.