New TechCenter for high-quality medical technology products

The Spang & Brands Technology Center in Friedrichsdorf, built two years ago, is now operational in everyday business: "In a few months, we will relocate the F & E department, so that the performance chain will be complete," explains Managing Director Friedrich Echterdiek. From the initial customer idea through design, material suitability testing, and toolmaking with subsequent pre-series injection molding trials, the TechCenter lays the foundation for the series production of a new product. Developments from this area will be showcased at MEDTEC.

A variety of different plastic technology solutions for applications in medical technology – syringes, cannulas, piercing membranes, implant parts, and components for minimally invasive medicine, assemblies for infusion and blood bags, transfer and connection systems, as well as a newly developed CUD (Composite Unit Dose) – are displayed by Spang & Brands during MEDTEC. Visitors can expect technical discussions about the assembled modules and ready-for-sale systems, whose geometries and properties (e.g., break points with controlled break or shear forces) must be highly precise.

The most delicate parts must not exceed very tight tolerances in the micro-range and must withstand high long-term loads or guarantee the necessary purity, hygiene, and safety for patients and within the patient environment. Therefore, specialized plastic compounds are usually used (TPU, TPE, TPV, resomer materials, among others), which can only be processed in high-performance tools: "We have been specialized for 30 years in precision and cleanroom injection molding technology for the medical and pharmaceutical industries," explains Friedrich Echterdiek. "Especially for specific customer projects, we have the right solutions, supported by CAD-3D development, MoldFlow analysis, and over 60 fully electric or hydraulic single and multi-component injection molding machines. Above all, we have a continuously growing engineering knowledge on our side."

In cleanrooms of various classes, the fully automatic and manual assembly as well as packaging of parts and modules take place – from pre-series or just-in-time batch production, from small series to millions of units. Strategically positioned inspection stations with 3D measurement technology and optical as well as tactile inspection support quality assurance. Compliance with national and international legal requirements for medical devices is ensured throughout the entire product lifecycle – from prototype to delivery to the customer. The company is, among other certifications, ISO 13485 certified.