Almost 100 customers visited the ARBURG Technology Center (ATC) Midwest in Elgin, Illinois, on June 24, 2010 in order to find out in depth about the injection molding of medical technology products. The main focus was on the transfer of knowledge.

Topics ranged from selecting a suitable moldmaker and special elastomer molding techniques through to validation of the injection molding processes. Martin Neff, Manager Midwest Sales & Engineering, who heads the ATC in Elgin, explained which injection molding machines are best suited for use in medical technology. Important factors here include flexibility, a precision clamping unit, innovative drive technology and the option of integrating robotic systems and peripherals. Starrco and Innespace Design spoke on the subject of clean room technology, the Emergo Group described how the injection molding process is validated in practice and why this is so important. Kebo reported on the criteria for choosing a moldmaker and Baxter gave details on how an OEM selects a suitable injection molding provider.
 
The event was rounded off with the presentation of three machines:

		An electric ALLROUNDER 470 A produced protective caps for syringes.
		On an ALLROUNDER 520 A machine two battery holders were produced and then removed by a horizontally-operating MULTILIFT H robotic system.
		12.7 g operating buttons for hospital bed remote controls were produced on a hydraulic ALLROUNDER 420 C. The automation solution in this case was a vertical MULTILIFT V

“Our speakers covered virtually the complete range of subjects around medical injection molding. The presentations were extremely well received by the participants,” summarized Friedrich Kanz, Subsidiary Manager of ARBURG USA. “We presented ourselves as an expert partner for our customers from the medical technology sector and, with three ARBURG Technology Centers around the US, we offer the ideal conditions for specialist events of this kind, including practical demonstrations.