The first–ever Medical Silicone Conference (MSC) sponsored by Medical Design is set for April 6-7 in Minneapolis. Device manufacturers and their suppliers will gather to learn from industry experts on a range of topics and to visit with exhibitors.

The following pages contain important information on the session topics, speakers, and sponsors. If material advancements for medical devices is an area that interests you, please visit www.medicalsiliconeconference.com for more on events, times, and exhibits. And don’t forget to register. We look forward to seeing you in Minneapolis at what promises to be a dynamic and memorable first-ever MSC.

A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS

DME has expanded its North American offering of Standard Cold Decks for elastomer parts. Now standard parts made from LSR, HTV-SR, and rubber can be manufactured to customer specification in standard cold runner systems ranging from 296mm x 296mm to 896mm x 446mm, in configurations from four to 32 cavities. Applications that require external dimensions outside of these ranges or multicomponent molding also may be custom manufactured. Standard cold decks are available as valve gate or open systems. The standard valve gate system is designed to enable individual adjustment of the flow rate for each valve gate nozzle. This technology results in optimal cycle times with no material waste. Use of standard components cuts delivery lead times to achieve faster product delivery to market. DME has more than a decade of experience in delivering standard cold runner systems in Europe where more than 600 systems are currently operating in a variety of industries, including medical and electronics. The company’s global logistics infrastructure ensures speed and accuracy while its support organization assists customers when and where they need help. In addition to its standard cold runner system offering, DME has a complete line of mold bases, quick-change mold systems, mold components, mold making and molding supplies, hot runner systems, and technical services. DME Company, 29111 Stephenson Highway, Madison Heights, MI 48071, (248) 398-6000, dme.net

NuSil Silicone Technology manufactures silicone compounds for healthcare products requiring precise, custom formulations – all backed by years of biomedical materials expertise and regulatory knowledge. Founded in 1979, employee-owned NuSil focuses exclusively on silicone technology and related process development. The company comprises hundreds of research, manufacturing, and engineering professionals perfecting silicone as the material of choice based upon its unique applications.

Headquartered in Carpinteria, CA, the company’s principal facilities comprise a multibuilding campus with more than 250,000 ft2. In Europe, NuSil is based out of a 600 m2 facility in Sophia Antipolis, France.

NuSil Technology has a line of high performance silicones for use in short term human implant (<29 days) and external device applications, or for long-term human implant (>29 days). Many of these silicone biomaterials are used in applications requiring USP Class VI certifications, and full testing is available.

NuSil ensures that all materials are manufactured and processed under strictly controlled conditions, and are completely traceable. Master files and test data compendia (including physical, chemical and biological testing) are made available on some of NuSil Technology’s silicones for healthcare applications to ease approval through the FDA on vendor changes, 510Ks, IDEs and PMAs. ISO 9001 certified since 1994, NuSil operates state-of-the-art laboratories and processing facilities in California. With more than 400 employees worldwide, NuSil Technology specializes in providing on-site, in-person application engineering support. NuSil Technology LLC, 1050 Cindy Lane, Carpinteria, CA 93013, (805) 684-8780, nusil.com

Phillips Plastics has served original equipment manufacturers since 1964 as a source for the design and manufacture of custom plastics, metal, ceramic, and silicone injection molded components, and finished devices. By pairing personnel with state-of-the-art technology, the company has developed an infrastructure of resources that provide cutting edge solutions for the toughest molding challenges. One such technology is multi-shot liquid silicone rubber (MSLSR), which is providing new opportunities for designers to improve their product offering to the marketplace. Today, Phillips Plastics is embracing the advantages of multi-shot liquid silicone rubber (MSLSR) with a dedicated manufacturing site, staffed by experienced engineers and production people specializing in this advanced technology. Combining liquid silicone rubber and traditional thermoplastics in one molded part is an easy way to cost-effectively add product features. Phillips’ MSLSR capability allows engineers to save costs in material usage and assembly. The process can accept a wide range of colorants and it has high temperature resistance. MSLSR also can provide FDA bio compatibility, bacteria resistance, gas permeability, and even excellent light transmittance and illumination. For the end user, MSLSR delivers a comfortable soft feel that is ideal for many applications – ranging from 10 – 70 shore A durometer.

Phillips Plastics Corportaion, 1201 Hanley Road, Hudson, Wisconsin 54016, (877) 508-0252, phillipsplastics.com