Polymer extrusion company Zeus (Orangeburg, SC) will showcase its recently introduced peelable heat-shrink technology for medical catheter manufacturers at BIOMEDevice Boston next month. Described by the company as the "most significant product enhancement for catheter construction in years," FluoroPEELZ is said to offer users a new method for increasing yield and improving safety.

The final step in catheter fabrication entails the removal of recovered heat shrink from the outer shaft. It is often the most critical and laborious step in the catheter construction process. FluoroPEELZ reduces the complexity by allowing operators to quickly and easily peel the heat shrink away, improving efficiencies and workplace safety, according to Zeus.

"By keeping workers safe, reducing scrap and improving efficiencies, it's the solution manufacturers charged with reducing costs, increasing yield and improving workplace safety have been looking for," says Irina Roof, PhD, Staff Material Scientist.

USP Class VI–approved, FluoroPEELZ offers the highest optical clarity on the market, says Zeus, allowing operators to visually inspect catheter construction during the reflow process. This eliminates guesswork and speeds the production process. In addition, Zeus claims that the product offers superior reflow ability. Once removed, FluoroPEELZ produces a smooth, void-free exterior finish.

Samples are available to allow customers to evaluate products for their next-generation prototypes.

Zeus will be joining numerous companies involved in all aspects of the medical manufacturing supply chain at BIOMEDevice Boston next month, which also features a conference program dedicated to issues such as 3D printing and wireless devices. The exhibition and conference, which is co-located with PLASTEC New England, comes to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center on May 6 and 7.

For more information about the event, go to the BIOMEDevice Boston website.