Medical Design Briefs - January 2023 - 37

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH
n Connectors for Medical Robotics
2023 Product of the Year
Finalist
ETCO Inc., Bradenton, FL, has introduced custom-fabricated electrical connectors and terminals for robotic medical
devices manufactured to OEM specifications from virtually any alloy. They are supplied loose or on reels for use with various
automated attachment systems. The connectors and terminals can be inlaid or edge laid with precious metals. Available
in sizes from 0.008 to 0.090 in. thick with +0.002-in. tolerances, depending upon materials and design requirements,
they can include discrete overmolding and other special characteristics. Parts can also be made for other medical equipment,
including mobility units, monitors, hospital beds, MRI systems, and CT scanners.
For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/84475-340
Product Focus: Motors & Motion Control
n Slotted Brushless DC
Gearmotor
An arthroscopic joint shaver highspeed
gearmotor is available from Portescap,
West Chester, PA. The B0614A4 size
6 SMS brushless DC slotted mini motor is
optimized for arthroscopic shaver applications
and has been upgraded for higher speeds. The mini motor is
ideal for powered surgical hand tools that are used in minimally invasive
surgical procedures to repair joints such as the hip, knee, and
shoulder. The gearmotor is designed for high reliability in autoclave
environments and can withstand up to 1,000 autoclave cycles. It is available
in two winding variations and with an output shaft sealing option
for improved reliability.
For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/84475-341
n Precision Ball Splines
Thomson Industries, Inc.,
Wood Dale, IL, has introduced
a line of precision ball splines
that enable robust delivery of
rotary and linear motion on a
single shaft. The ball splines exploit the low-friction torque transmission
capabilities of rolling balls and augment that by adding one or
more axial grooves, also known as splines, along the assembly shaft.
The high-precision ball splines are available immediately in lengths up
to 300 mm; diameters between 6 and 30 mm are standard. Larger diameters
of 40 and 50 mm are available upon request. The ball splines
can handle loads up to 1,000,000 Nmm, speeds up to 10,000 rpm, and
with precision of ±17 µm with or without flanges.
For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/84475-342
n Microscale 3D Printer
Boston Micro Fabrication, Boston, MA, (BMF),
has released a new microscale 3D printing system.
The microArch™ S350 is built on the company's Projection
Micro Stereolithography (PµSL) technology,
a technique that allows for rapid photopolymerization
of layers of liquid polymer using a flash of UV
light at microscale resolution. The printer is 100 ×
100 × 50 mm with fewer projection zones to improve
print speed. An automated lateral membrane shift enables easier part removal
or integration with a robotic arm. Additional capabilities include
automated resin fill and adjustment, a laser displacement sensor, and an
advanced roller that spreads layers at greater speed.
For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/84475-350
Medical Design Briefs, January 2023
n Servo Drive System
Siemens, Washington, DC, has expanded
its drive portfolio in the extralow-voltage
range for 24-48 V EC motors.
The Simatic Micro-Drive
line
consists of the PDC (Profidrive Control)
servo drive in conjunction with a range of motors and connecting
cables from product partners, along with the technology module format
with 20-mm servo and stepper drives, which can be used in conjunction
with distributed or open controllers. The motors feature
smart encoders and one-button tuning. A safety integrated function
limits torque by monitoring motor current in running operation.
For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/84475-343
n Vertical Lift Stage
A series of motorized vertical lift stages from Optimal
Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES), Van Nuys, CA,
features a vertical lift of 600 mm. The AT20-600-01 is
driven by a two-phase stepper motor and features a
repeatability of 5 µm and positional accuracy of 20
µm, and it has a knob on the motor for manual adjustment.
The 600 × 600 mm stage table has a pattern
of threaded mounting holes, and the rigid box construction
of the moving component of the elevator
stage travels on six slide rails. The 50 kg load capacity
of the AT20-600 stages allows for positioning of multi-axis stages. Constructed
of black-anodized aluminum alloy and steel shafting, it incorporates
a center mounted, precision ground lead screw having a transmission
ratio of 663 µm per motor revolution, removing the concern
for cantilevered effects or loss of parallelism.
For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/84475-344
n Low Viscosity Silicone
EpoxySet, Woonsocket, RI, has released an optically
clear, soft silicone for potting, sealing, and
encapsulating applications. The SILAST™ SC417
is a 1:1 mix system that cures overnight at
room temperature or within 30 minutes at 150 °C
with a work time of about 30 minutes. The extremely
low viscosity allows for penetration of components to yield a complete,
air-free potting. The silicone cures to a hardness of Shore A23. It
excerpts no stress on parts during or after cure, and it is excellent as a
physical barrier to protect components from both physical and environmental
conditions. The low 1.41 refractive index and high optical clarity
allow for very high transmission at wavelengths from 320 to 2000 nm.
For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/84475-351
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Medical Design Briefs - January 2023

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