MD&M Minneapolis 2008 showcases the latest advances in medical grade materials, assembly and electronic components, production equipment, automation and controls, packaging materials and machinery, medical-device quality and validation software, enterprise-wide IT, sterilization systems, and a range of contract service companies. The conference and show floor lets users compare hundreds of products for almost every medical device and equipment application. Register and view a list of conference sessions at MDMMinn.com.

A few exhibitors include:

Microfabrica Inc., Booth 1453, will show products from its ultra-precision and miniature manufacture technology, which is ideal for low-cost, high-volume production of metal components. These can be complex mechanisms with moving parts that need no assembly. The process, similar computer chip fabrication, produces 0.0001-in. accuracy and repeatability.

Norman Noble Inc., Booth 1025, manufactures medical devices and implants to customer specifications in compliance with FDA regulations and ISO 13485:2003. The company says it has the most advanced processes for precision micromachining including laser machining and welding, Swiss turning and milling, conventional and wire EDM, high speed 5-axis contour milling, and Nitinol shape setting.

Qosina, Booth 845, introduces two new hemostasis valves that function as seals preventing air and fluid leakage around wires and instruments. A one-handed hemostasis valve with two channels has a straight primary channel with a silicone gasket. The angled secondary channel can be used for pressure monitoring and flushing. (For more on valves, see this month's Tech Spotlight.)