 |
|
|
|
Good news? High-risk, high-reward research funding is available
|
An item about medical manufacturing in Singapore in the March 16, 2010 issue of this e-newsletter upset a few readers. They felt we should instead focus on helping to boost manufacturing in the U.S. In this spirit, the following might come as good news.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced a competition for high-risk, high-reward research funding under the Technology Innovation Program (TIP). The competition provides cost-shared funding for innovative research on "Manufacturing and
Biomanufacturing: Materials Advances and Critical Processes." About $25 million is available for first-year funding for an expected 25 new projects.
New materials could open new markets and improve manufactured products. But efficiently moving materials from the lab into production remains a major challenge. Innovations that cut costs, save time, and improve quality could boost the competitiveness of industries such as biomanufacturing.
The TIP competition is open to research proposals in three areas:
finding better ways to move new materials from the laboratory to production;
using predictive modeling for materials advances and materials processing; and
creating new production techniques that eliminate bottlenecks in the production of existing materials.
The deadline to submit proposals is 11:59 PM ET, July 15, 2010. Submit proposals electronically through Grants.gov (search for the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program 11.613 or Funding Opportunity Number TIP-2010-B01) or on paper to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Technology Innovation Program, 100 Bureau Dr., Stop 4750, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
For additional details see the 2010 TIP Competition Focuses on Manufacturing Technologies NIST news release.
—Leslie Gordon, Senior Editor leslie.gordon@penton.com
|
Silicone rubber is an almost perfect biomedical material. In fact, stainless steel is probably the only material in which device makers place a higher level of trust. However, it has only one glaring fault: It’s tacky to the touch and clings to any object or dust that comes in contact with it. When silicone rubber parts come in contact with other surfaces — including other silicone surfaces — they resist motion with a friction coefficient that exceeds 1.0. One solution for this is to apply a thin dry lubricant to the surface of silicone parts such as Parylene. Historically, molders have opted for one of several formulations of Parylene, applied at room temperature to the exterior of tubes, seals, etc., via vapor deposition. This results in a film that is typically 2 to 20 microns thick, that reduces the surface friction of silicone rubber. Hardness of the film tends to increase the durometer values of the rubber substrate.
Full Article
|
Starting any medical design project with a traditional design-for-manufacturability (DFM) checklist can handicap innovation. When the limits of traditional manufacturing technology — casting, milling, or turning — are factored in—the form, function, and quality of the finished product can be affected. Engineers designing with laser-sintering in mind, however, are freed from such constraints and instead can focus on such matters as how to achieve the best flow rate and how to achieve desired design results with the least amount of material. Product designers still need to prove out the fundamentals of load, durability, and performance using finite element analysis (FEA), but now they also can envision geometries that satisfy those requirements while consolidating and integrating parts into elegant, simple designs that serve the entire system’s functionality, not just its manufacturability.
Full Article
|
|
Technical Cable Engineered to Exceed
 Northwire, Inc., Technical Cable—an innovative cable solutions provider—markets, designs and manufactures technical and retractile cables for advanced applications in the life science markets. Northwire offers complimentary design and prototyping services. Custom cables are guaranteed to exceed performance, design and quality specifications. Northwire’s experienced staff will help navigate complex national/international standards. Engineered to exacting requirements, cables are designed, built and shipped in 5 days or less with no minimum length requirements. Northwire offers FDA approved materials. +1 715-294-2121
|
|
The design and placement of internal components for tiny medical devices is critical. And questions pertaining to micromolding are many. These include: How will the design proceed? Exactly how are parts manufactured and validated? And how do working parts interface with each other? Here are our Top 10 Tips to help guide you through the micromolding process.
Full Article
|
Hostaform HS15 from Ticona is the latest addition to the developer's acetal copolymers. The material is suited for the development of innovative fluid handling and conveying-system applications.
Full Article
|
The Unique Device Identifier (UDI) from InterTech Development helps medical-device manufacturers comply with the FDA Amendments Act of 2007, which mandates complete part traceability. The device scans, bar codes, and tracks each part and batch and saves all leak, functional, and lifecycle test data.
Full Article
|
DiamondMINE software from MC Machinery Systems for Mitsubishi lasers includes on-screen charts of cut times, estimated times, and online, non-cutting times. The charts provide color-coded information for quick and easy visual reference.
Full Article
|
Mark May 6th, 2010 on your calendar!
 The Energy Efficiency Technology Conference and Expo is a one-day event featuring technical sessions aimed at engineers and technologists engaged in projects involving energy efficient products and processes. Sessions will cover topics in LED lighting, energy harvesting, energy efficient motor and drive technology, energy monitoring, smart grid applications, energy efficient power supplies, legislated energy mandates, and related subjects. Breakfast, sessions, lunch, product exhibition, networking opportunities and a cocktail reception are included throughout the day. Special keynote: Where Are The Government Grants/Subsidies presented by Roland Riser, Program Manager, U.S. Department of Energy.
Cable Basics: Sizing and Selection
Standard vs Custom Cable for OEM Applications
Sponsored by Northwire Inc.
DATE: April 22nd, 2010
TIME: 2:00pm ET/11am PT
OEMs are pushing engineering teams for the fastest development cycle possible. Component selection errors can cause big delays and reliability issues after the products are in the hands of customers.
To help engineers make the best cable decision for their projects, Northwire is teaching a technical course that dives into the key issues that affect cable performance and the final cable solution attached to the project.
Click here to learn more and register!
Webinar: Hose Construction, Performance and Proper Selection
Date/Time: April 29, 2010 at 2:00pm ET / 11:00am PT
Speaker: Gates
There are many hydraulic hoses on the market today geared toward a variety of situations, uses and environmental conditions. Knowing which hose to choose for your application may seem daunting.
Join Tim Deans and Tim Saupe of Gates Fluid Power as they offer an overview of hose construction basics including tubing, reinforcement and covers. Learn why not all hoses work in all hydraulic applications and why making the correct hose selection can prevent premature hose failure and downtime to save you money.
Attend this Webinar to ensure safe, long-lasting hydraulic hose systems.
Register Now for This Live Webinar
|
Fast doesn't mean simple
Proto Labs created The Protomold Torus to demonstrate interesting, complex features that can be designed into your parts for an assortment of different purposes. "The Torus" comes with an informational user key that describes the features and mold-making techniques used to produce those features.
Request one today!
Boker’s 2010 Washer Catalog
Boker's free 2010 Washer Catalog features over 24,000 non-standard flat washer sizes with ODs of 0.080" to 5.140"; numerous IDs and thicknesses; 2,000 materials; and no tooling charges. ISO 9001:2008 Registered.
www.bokers.com/mee
Free Machining Tips
Would you like helpful advice about designing your parts for CNC machining? Our new First Cut Machining Tips email newsletter will arrive in subscribers' inbox and will deliver tips or suggestions for efficiently and cost-effectively machining prototype parts. Sign-up today!
Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation
HepcoMotion® SL2 is a stainless steel based slide system that is corrosion resistant, flexible and durable -- up to 4m in length and clean room compatible.
www.bwc.com
Precision Orthopaedic Component & Assemblies Manufacturing
Devices include spine, trauma and extremity. Unmatched development support and high precision, tight tolerance manufacturing. Swiss turning, multi-axis milling, EDM, and clean room assembly. ISO 9001:2000 and 13485:2003.
www.lowellinc.com
|
|
|
|
