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.
In this exciting episode of the Med-Ex Podcast, we’re joined by Jakob Dohse from MeKo Manufacturing, a global leader in high-precision laser material processing. With over 30 years of experience, MeKo has become synonymous with innovation in the medical device industry, specializing in the production of intricate components like stents and heart valve frames from both metal and bioresorbable materials. Jakob takes us on a fascinating journey through MeKo's family-owned history, their commitment to quality, and how their custom laser processing and post-processing techniques, like electropolishing, are transforming the way medical devices are manufactured and used. But that’s just the beginning! We also delve into MeKo’s cutting-edge work with Resoloy® a resorbable magnesium alloy for implants, and Vasculoy®, a nickel- and cobalt-free vascular alloy designed for patients with allergies. Jakob shares insights on everything from rapid prototyping and finite element analysis (FEA) to the use of cold ablation techniques in polymer tube manufacturing. Host/ Producer: Steve Maxson | Innovation & Business Development Manager | US Extruders Guest: Jakob Dohse | CEO | MeKo Manufacturing Announcer: Bill Kramer | President | US Extruders Editor/ Original Music: Eric Adair | Marketing & Business Development | US Extruders
In this episode, Steve sits down with Jennifer Green, Sr. Global Technical Business Development Manager at Lubrizol Advanced Materials. Jennifer is here to unravel the mysteries of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and why it’s becoming a superstar in the world of medical devices. They also explore the versatility of TPU—think customizable polymers, specialty formulations, and even how TPUs are paving the way for ultra-soft catheter tips and compliant balloons. This episode goes from the nuts and bolts of TPU chemistry to why it might just be the go-to material for your next medical innovation. The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a science-based company whose specialty chemistry delivers sustainable solutions to advance mobility, improve well-being and enhance modern life. Every day, the innovators of Lubrizol strive to create extraordinary value for customers at the intersection of science, market needs and business success, driving discovery and creating breakthrough solutions that enhance life and make the world work better. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has global reach and local presence, with more than 100 manufacturing facilities, sales and technical offices and 8,000 employees around the world. For more information, visit www.Lubrizol.com. Host/ Producer: Steve Maxson | Innovation & Business Development Manager | US Extruders Guest: Jennifer Green | Sr. Global Technical Business Development Manager| Lubrizol 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
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
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
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