Med-Ex The Medical Extrusion Podcast

by US Extruders, Inc.

We interview global experts in the medical device manufacturing industry. This is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more about extrusion materials and processes, catheter technologies, and MedTech industry trends.

Podcast episodes

  • Season 2

  • In-House Medical Device Development and Manufacturing

    In-House Medical Device Development and Manufacturing

    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 Extruders Guest: Jason Scherer | Founder & CEO | VitaTek Announcer: Bill Kramer | President | US Extruders Editor/ Original Music: Eric Adair | Marketing/ Business Development | US Extruders For video episodes visit www.us-extruders.com/podcasts

  • The Art of Catheter Secondary Processing

    The Art of Catheter Secondary Processing

    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 Extruders Guest: Brooke Gove | Sales Engineer | Rose Medical Announcer: Bill Kramer | President | US Extruders Editor/ Original Music: Eric Adair | Marketing/ Business Development | US Extruders For video episodes visit www.us-extruders.com/podcasts

  • Electrospinning For Cardiovascular Applications

    Electrospinning For Cardiovascular Applications

    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.com Steve 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 Extruders Guest: Noel Davison, PhD | Director of Business Development Officer | VIVOLTA Announcer: Bill Kramer | President | US Extruders Editor/ Original Music: Eric Adair | Marketing/ Business Development | US Extruders For video episodes visit www.us-extruders.com/podcasts

  • Over-Molded Radiopaque Catheter Tips

    Over-Molded Radiopaque Catheter Tips

    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.com In 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 Extruders Guest: Brett Lenz | Director of Engineering | PDC Announcer: Bill Kramer | President | US Extruders Editor/ Original Music: Eric Adair | Marketing/ Business Development | US Extruders For video episodes visitwww.us-extruders.com/podcasts

  • Advancements in Fluoropolymer Extrusion

    Advancements in Fluoropolymer Extrusion

    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.com From 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 Extruders Guest: Andreas Perjus | CTO | Optinova Group Announcer: Bill Kramer | President | US Extruders Editor/ Original Music: Eric Adair | Marketing Manager | US Extruders For video episodes visit www.us-extruders.com/podcasts