Compound improves medical camera design

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 15, 2004

When Smith and Nephew Endoscopy wanted to redesign its ED-3 camera head, the company turned to specialty compounder RTP Company for help in selecting the right material.

In the field of minimally invasive surgery, the camera is a key element, allowing the surgeon to see inside the body.

When Smith and Nephew Endoscopy, a world leader in medical devices, wanted to redesign its ED-3 camera head, the company turned to specialty compounder RTP Company for help in selecting the right material.

RTP Company recommended an RTP 2203 HF (high flow) compound.

The 20% glass reinforced Peek (polyetheretherketone) compound not only provides a balance of flexibility and strength, but its higher flow characteristics offer faster cycling and better filling of thin wall sections.

Inherently, Peek offers outstanding chemical resistance, universal sterilisation compatibility, and high temperature performance.

Furthermore, RTP Company compounds based on Peek polymer by Victrex USA have successfully replaced stainless steel and other metals in medical applications.

According to Steve Rayburn, Senior Manufacturing Engineer at Smith and Nephew: "The Peek compound has given us an edge over iodised aluminium in our new camera heads and we are able to achieve desired performance ratings, such as isolation from leakage current".

"It has increased chemical resistance and is compatible with the sterilisation processes".

"It also allows us to refurbish and maintain used equipment with a like-new appearance".

Smith and Nephew partnered with nearby moulder Sanmina-SCI.

The company's experience in moulding high-temperature materials, such as Peek compounds, was critical.

The ensuing teamwork between Smith and Nephew, RTP Company and Sanmina-SCI resulted in a successful new product development.

The redesigned product gave Smith and Nephew significant advantages over their original design.

According to Rayburn: "RTP Company has unparalleled expertise in working with Peek and additive technologies, so we relied heavily on them to develop our innovative Peek compound".