Med-Ex The Medical Extrusion Podcast

In this episode, Steve talks with Jason Scherer, the Founder and CEO of VitaTek, the largest private medical device manufacturer in Minnesota. VitaTek excels in vertical in-house integration, offering comprehensive services that span medical device R&D, prototyping, regulatory affairs, tooling, die molds, manufacturing, device assembly, EO sterilization, and distribution. Join us as Jason shares the story behind VitaTek's establishment, its headquarters, and the extensive in-house capabilities that set it apart in the medical device industry. For more information on VitaTek go to www.vitatek.io Jason dives into the specifics of VitaTek's in-house mold manufacturing, revealing their capacity to produce injection die molds in just 14 days with revisions in 48 hours, and the importance of mold flow analysis in the DFM process. We also explore VitaTek's significant investment in 3D printing technology for rapid prototyping and large-scale production, as well as the innovative use of the Prusa XL 3D printer for multi-material printing. Additionally, Jason discusses the motivation behind launching HydrophilicCoating.org to address industry frustrations, and how VitaTek's in-house sterilization capabilities have drastically reduced validation times from nine months to just two weeks. Host/ Producer: Steve Maxson | Innovation & Business Development Manager | US ExtrudersGuest: Jason Scherer | Founder & CEO | VitaTekAnnouncer: Bill Kramer | President | US ExtrudersEditor/ Original Music: Eric Adair | Marketing/ Business Development | US ExtrudersFor video episodes visit www.us-extruders.com/podcasts

In this episode, we are thrilled to host Brooke Gove, a Sales Engineer at Rose Medical, a leading ISO 13485 certified contract manufacturing company specializing in custom medical devices and catheters. For more information on Rose Medical, go to www.rosemedical.com. Brooke provides an in-depth look into Rose Medical's journey from its founding in 1998 as a tip forming machine builder to becoming a comprehensive contract manufacturer with advanced capabilities in CNC machining, injection molding, and laser processing. She then explanes the intricate processes behind catheter tip forming, including unique shapes and geometries, and shares examples of their capabilities. Steve and Brooke also explore the secondary processing of PTFE, highlighting the challenges and innovative solutions Rose Medical has developed to enhance design possibilities. Additionally, Brooke will cover the importance of high-quality extrusions in secondary operations and introduce us to Rose Medical's state-of-the-art laser processing facility, detailing their capabilities in laser marking, welding, and fiber laser processing of hypotubes. Host/ Producer: Steve Maxson | Innovation & Business Development Manager | US ExtrudersGuest: Brooke Gove | Sales Engineer | Rose MedicalAnnouncer: Bill Kramer | President | US ExtrudersEditor/ Original Music: Eric Adair | Marketing/ Business Development | US ExtrudersFor video episodes visit www.us-extruders.com/podcasts

In this episode, we have Noel Davison, PhD, the Director of Business Development at VIVOLTA BV, join us from The Netherlands. VIVOLTA is at the forefront of developing and manufacturing electrospun medical products on behalf of its clients, providing cutting-edge solutions for the medtech industry. Noel will be sharing insights into VIVOLTA's role as an innovative CDMO in the vibrant medtech cluster of The Netherlands, highlighting how this ecosystem fosters innovation and collaboration. For more information on VIVOLTA, visit www.vivolta.comSteve and Noel explore the unique advantages of medical electrospinning over traditional lamination methods, particularly in stent and scaffold applications. Noel will discuss the tunability and scalability of electrospinning, and how it offers significant benefits over encapsulation methods, especially with non-resorbable and resorbable medical polymers. He also dives into the challenges of bonding to nitinol and cobalt-chromium scaffolds shares a compelling case study that showcases VIVOLTA's innovative approach and unique capabilities of manufacturing these types of electrospun products in their automated production systems.Host/ Producer: Steve Maxson | Innovation & Business Development Manager | US ExtrudersGuest: Noel Davison, PhD | Director of Business Development Officer | VIVOLTAAnnouncer: Bill Kramer | President | US ExtrudersEditor/ Original Music: Eric Adair | Marketing/ Business Development | US ExtrudersFor video episodes visit www.us-extruders.com/podcasts

In this episode, we are thrilled to host Ross Peterson, Chief Business Development Officer at ProPlate®. ProPlate® is renowned for its engineered coating solutions for metallic and polymeric catheter components, playing a crucial role in advancing medical technology. For more information on ProPlate® go to www.proplate.com Join us as Ross shares insights into ProPlate's journey, including its origins, locations, and ISO certifications. We'll also delve into their innovative Vizi-Band technology, discussing how ProPlate's radiopaque coatings enhance the visibility of medical devices like stents during fluoroscopy procedures.In addition, we'll explore ProPlate's Meta-Poly technology, which revolutionizes the selective metallization of polymers, and its implications for adding electrodes and electronic components to catheter shafts and medical balloons.Host/ Producer: Steve Maxson | Innovation & Business Development Manager | US ExtrudersGuest: Ross Peterson | Chief Business Development Officer | ProPlate®Announcer: Bill Kramer | President | US ExtrudersEditor/ Original Music: Eric Adair | Marketing/ Business Development | US ExtrudersFor video episodes visit www.us-extruders.com/podcasts

Join us on the Med-Ex Podcast as we talk with Brett Lenz, Director of Engineering at Plastic Design Company (PDC). PDC is a specialty manufacturing company focused on precision injection molding and value-added assembly in support of medical device and life science customers. Their expertise includes the production of complex materials such as PEEK, PEBA and PEI within an ISO 13485:2016 quality system. For more information, visit plasticdesigncompany.comIn this episode, we explore PDC's capabilities in over-molding and insert molding of catheter tips, shedding light on advanced techniques reshaping the medical industry.From insights into PDC's establishment and medical molding prowess to discussions on the advantages of over-molding catheter tips directly onto shafts versus traditional methods, Brett provides valuable expertise. We uncover the nuances of molding materials, radiopacity, transition techniques, bonding methods, and challenges with curved or angled tips. Additionally, we delve into PDC's insert molding techniques, multi-component molding applications, and precision handling and automation strategies for scaling production. Host/ Producer: Steve Maxson | Innovation & Business Development Manager | US ExtrudersGuest: Brett Lenz | Director of Engineering | PDCAnnouncer: Bill Kramer | President | US ExtrudersEditor/ Original Music: Eric Adair | Marketing/ Business Development | US ExtrudersFor video episodes visitwww.us-extruders.com/podcasts

In this episode, our guest Andreas Perjus, the Chief Technology Officer of Optinova Group, provides exclusive insights into the company's cutting-edge advancements in extrusion techniques. Optinova, renowned as a global leader in medical and industrial tubing, unveils its diverse portfolio and expansive manufacturing footprint across the globe. For more information, visit optinova.comFrom the revolutionary FEP QuickShrink™ 2.0 to the intricate PTFE Zebra Heat Shrink for endoscopic devices, Andreas navigates through the intricacies of these advancements and their pivotal roles in enhancing medical device functionalities. Additionally, he sheds light on Optinova's response to evolving regulatory landscapes, particularly concerning PFAS regulations, while also elaborating on the company's value-added services and design expertise. Moreover, Andreas explores the integration of automation and digitalization in manufacturing processes, offering a glimpse into the future of precision engineering in the medical sector. Host/ Producer: Steve Maxson | Innovation & Business Development Manager | US ExtrudersGuest: Andreas Perjus | CTO | Optinova GroupAnnouncer: Bill Kramer | President | US ExtrudersEditor/ Original Music: Eric Adair | Marketing Manager | US ExtrudersFor video episodes visit www.us-extruders.com/podcasts

In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of Custom Stent & Frame Covering with our esteemed guest, Chris Steadham, General Manager of Medical Murray based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Medical Murray is renowned for its expertise as a contract development and manufacturing organization specializing in minimally invasive medical devices and implants. For more information on Medical Murray, visit medicamurray.com.Chris sheds light on various aspects of stent and frame covering, addressing the rationale behind their covering, capabilities related to covering implantable prosthetic devices with different membranes or coatings, and the complexities involved in covering diverse shapes such as bifurcations or frames with tapered ends. We explore the nuances between using ePTFE tubing and ePTFE membranes, the tuneability of ePTFE properties to meet specific functional requirements, and the innovative realm of composite stent covers involving dissimilar and similar materials. Additionally, we touch upon stent delivery methods, preventing migration through effective anchoring techniques, and the integration of electronics into medical devices, showcasing Medical Murray's pioneering work in developing Smart Catheters & Intelligent Implants.Host/ Producer: Steve Maxson | Innovation & Business Development Manager | US ExtrudersGuest: Chris Steadman | General Manager | Medical MurrayAnnouncer: Bill Kramer | President | US ExtrudersEditor/ Original Music: Eric Adair | Marketing Manager | US ExtrudersFor video episodes visit www.us-extruders.com/podcasts

In this episode of the Med-Ex Podcast, we welcome Ajay Padsalgikar, a Technical Director at Biolinq, renowned for his expertise in plastics and polyurethanes (TPUs) within the medical device field. Ajay begins by offering a comprehensive overview of TPUs, encompassing their definition, chemistry, and structural properties, while also discussing measurement techniques. He then delves into the intricacies of TPU extrusion, highlighting the significance of factors like proper drying, minimizing residence times, managing gels, and controlling lot-to-lot variations.The conversation proceeds to explore current medical applications of polyurethanes, emphasizing biocompatibility and the concept of biostable TPUs, with a focus on siloxane properties and exceptional oxidative resistance in devices such as those used in cardiovascular and glucose monitoring. The episode also ventures into emerging TPU applications, including drug delivery, biodegradable devices for controlled drug release, membranes for cell encapsulation, and their role in neurostimulators with electrode leads. Ajay's extensive knowledge provides valuable insights into the dynamic world of TPUs in the medical device industry.Biolinq has created a new Biowearable experience by using an array of electrochemical sensors so small you can barely feel them. Our metabolic health sensors work together to provide maximum reliability for continuous sensing applications. With the potential of multiple analytes such as glucose, ketones, and lactate, we provide an entirely new user experience with actionable metabolic health insights. Over the next 10 years we intend to bring Biosensing and Biowearables mainstream. We are dedicated to the personal and professional growth of all our team members and strive to create a positive and creative work environment. For more information, visit. www.biolinq.comHost/ Producer: Steve Maxson | Innovation & Business Development Manager | US ExtrudersGuest: Ajay Padsalgikar, Phd. | Technical Director | BiolinqAnnouncer: Bill Kramer | President | US ExtrudersEditor/ Original Music: Eric Adair | Marketing Manager | US ExtrudersFor video episodes visit www.us-extruders.com/podcasts

In this episode, we dive into the world of precision laser cutting and welding of hypotubes with Nick Zabobini and Jay Vinson, co-founders of Symmetry Laser. Nick and Jay share their journey of building a company that combines high-volume production with rapid prototyping for R&D engineers. Discover their unique approach to lean manufacturing, insights into the maturity model of laser cut hypotubes, and the intricacies of various cut patterns. Join us as we explore their use of custom-designed Fiber Lasers and their value chain for post-processing. Plus, don't miss the exciting news of Symmetry Laser joining Chamfr as a new seller. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on innovation in contract manufacturing!Symmetry Laser is trailblazing the art of precision laser cutting and welding of hypotubes. Their custom-built laser equipment and software-driven facility ensures high-volume production parts and delivery of rapid prototypes in 3 to 5 days. For more information, visit https://www.symmetrylaser.com.Host/ Producer: Steve Maxson | Innovation & Business Development Manager | US ExtrudersGuest 1: Nick Zanobini | Co-Founder | Symmetry LaserGuest 2: Jay Vinson | Co-Founder | Symmetry LaserAnnouncer: Bill Kramer | President | US ExtrudersEditor/ Original Music: Eric Adair | Marketing Manager | US ExtrudersFor video episodes visit www.us-extruders.com/podcasts

Our guest this episode is Basker Lalgudi, Business Manager – High Performance Polymers for Medical Devices at Evonik Corporation. We explore the cutting-edge co-extrusion and reflow processes that have led to the development of bondable VESTAMID PEBA directly adhering to Daikin’s EFEP material, creating two-layer structures with low friction inner layers and bondable PEBA outer layers. The result is a game-changer, eliminating the need for adhesives or surface activation processes, ensuring strong adhesion, and minimizing the risk of delamination during surgical procedures. We also delve into the world of EFEP, a low friction alternative to PTFE, and its impressive mechanical properties. Join us for this informative episode as we unravel the science behind medical device manufacturing, discussing everything from material compatibility to sterilization processes. To learn more about Bondable VESTAMID® Care PEBA for multi-layer catheters go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7eb1vRCSc8&t=2s Evonik is one of the world’s leading specialty chemicals companies. While they don’t produce electric cars, aircraft, medications or 3D printers, Evonik is part and parcel of these and many other end products. That’s because they contribute the small things that make a big difference. They make electric car batteries perform better, aircraft greener, medications more effective and 3D printers more efficient. In short: They think beyond the bounds of chemistry to make the world a better place.To learn more visit, www.evonik.com Host/ Producer: Steve Maxson | Innovation & Business Development Manager | US ExtrudersGuest: Basker Lalgudi | Business Manager | EvonikAnnouncer: Bill Kramer | President | US ExtrudersEditor/ Original Music: Eric Adair | Marketing Manager | US ExtrudersFor video episodes visit www.us-extruders.com/podcasts