Micro Extruder suits medical fluoropolymer applications.
Press Release Summary:
Featuring reduction in minimum output rate and minimized residence time in barrel to help reduce thermal degradation, 16 mm micro extruder is used to process fluoropolymers for miniature medical device applications such as fine wire jacketing for neuromodulation, microdialysis tubing, and neonatal intravenous catheter tubing. These applications typically require extruder capable of processing high performance fluoropolymers (ETFE, PFA, FEP) at volumes down to 3.4 g/min (.45 lb/hr).
Original Press Release:
American Kuhne Introduces Micro Extruders for High Performance Medical Fluoropolymer Applications
Ashaway, RI -- American Kuhne has developed a 16mm micro extruder designed to process fluoropolymers for miniature medical device applications such as fine wire jacketing for neuromodulation, microdialysis tubing and neonatal intravenous (IV) catheter tubing. These applications typically require an extruder that can process high performance Fluoropolymers (ETFE, PFA and FEP) at very low volumes down to 3.4 grams/min (.45 lb/hr).
Unlike most medical grade thermoplastics such as Polyurethane, Nylon and Pebax, it is difficult to process Fluoropolymers on extruders smaller than 16mm because the special corrosion resistant screw materials that are used such as Inconel and Hastelloy have low torsional strength and are prone to break at diameters below 16mm. The smallest extruders for these applications have traditionally been 3/4-inch (19mm) machines. The benefit of a 16mm extruder for micro extrusion applications is an approximate 45% reduction in the minimum output rate and a short residence time in the barrel, which helps to minimize thermal degradation especially compared to traditional size extruders 3/4” (19mm) and 1” (25mm) running at very low screw speeds.
About American Kuhne, Inc.
American Kuhne offers a complete “pipeline” of seamlessly integrated precision micro extrusion equipment including Modular Micro Extruders, AKcess touchscreen control systems, Spiral Flow Crossheads, Automatic Concentricity Adjustment Technology, Heated Cooling Tanks and Servo Puller/Cutter systems.
