end trimming | split die heater | hot air diverter

 

Square end trimmer and angle end trimmer

Description:

Simple devices that are used to trim catheter tips into a variety of different configurations. The ends of the catheters can be straight or at multiple angles.

Application:

Main use is catheter trimming. Same concept could be used where precise cuts are required

Design Highlights:

Designed and fabricated in a few weeks. Holding fixture indexes to use all of the razor blade cutting edge. Air cylinders were added to control cutting forces.

Benefit:

Improve consistency, increase throughput and reduce operator effort.

Split Die Heater

Description:

The Collapsible Split Die Heater is used in catheter manufacturer for hot forming braided wire coverings into a plastic tubing with the ability to quickly remove the hot die from the process in the event of process stoppage. Interfaces to automatic control.

Application:

Used for surface heating of continuous length extruded and inline products. It can be used for catheters and other plastic tube processes, in addition to the setting of stainless steel braided coverings.

Design Highlights:

Replaced an existing heated die that could not be removed from the product flow without cutting the catheter. Dies can accommodate multiple diameters and temperatures up to 500 degrees F.

Benefit:

Reduced down time on production line. Eliminated product waste associated with reinitiating the product flow. Less expensive to operate.

Hot air Diverter

Description:

During certain stages of thermo-plastic processing, material is extruded through a die while being heated. The device allows the hot air used to heat the material to be safely re-directed during process stoppage or during startup.

Application:

Currently used in the Catheter Manufacturing industry. The Patented Hot Air Diverter can be used in any application that requires the re-direction of hot air.

Design Highlights:

Originally designed for the medical industry, the design was modified during initial development to accommodate higher temperatures so the product could be used in other industries. Safely redirects Hot Air up to 1000° F.

Benefit:

Enormous savings in time and money. No need to pre-heat the air flow to the desired temperature, or risk overheating products during stoppages.