RSNA 2008: Composiflex Introduces Custom Finishing
ERIE, PA (December 12, 2008) - - A unique finishing method revealed at RSNA 2008 by Composiflex, a global supplier of highly-engineered composite products, removes limitations on the appearance of composite components.
Aesthetic appeal is an important consideration for medical equipment designers, particularly for highly visible patient positioning components such as cradles, overlays, and related accessories. However, designers' choices have been largely limited to clear coating, silk-screening, or painting. With the introduction of Composiflex's new process, virtually any surface design is now possible.
RSNA attendees were drawn to the "burled wood" finish of the sample medical table top on exhibit in the Composiflex show booth. Marketing executive, Marty Matthews, explained to inquiring visitors that the sample shown was not brown carbon fiber but, rather, the result of a unique finishing technique. Although burled wood may not be the finish of choice for medical equipment designers, it served its purpose at the show - to draw attention, invite questions, and inspire creativity.
Matthews noted that, "Some customers like the look of the clear-coated carbon fabric but don't really need the carbon material for performance. Our new finishing process can replicate the look of carbon without the cost of carbon." Composite components can be finished in literally any pattern or design, from a rich wood grain to a brightly-colored, pediatric-friendly look.
The customized finish now offered by Composiflex is still suitable for imaging applications but adds a new possibility for design differentiation in the competitive medical equipment market. For additional information about this new finishing option, contact Marty Matthews.
About Composiflex: For more than 20 years, Composiflex has been an innovator in the design and manufacture of advanced high-performance composites. Specializing in custom designs, Composiflex serves the medical, military, aerospace, ballistic protection, industrial, and recreational markets. The company is characterized by its "art-to-part" projects made possible by its knowledgeable engineering staff, broad materials expertise, cost-effective rapid prototyping methods, and range of modern manufacturing technologies. Certified to ISO 9001:2000 standards, Composiflex conducts operations in Erie, PA, USA and is presently expanding its facilities by more than 60%, from 34,000 to 55,000 sq. ft.
Contact:
Marty Matthews
(814)866-8616
martym@composiflex.com
www.composiflex.com
