Editors Note:
We’re introducing the first installment of a new blog series, PPM’s Tech Talk, created to bring you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how we’ve maintained an environment of manufacturing excellence for over 53 years. In our first PPM’s Tech Talk, we meet Medicraft Packaging Engineer Michael B.
~ Cynthia Phillips, Director of Marketing
Medicraft has some of the most experienced packaging design engineers in the industry. They use their creativity and talent to design and develop fully customized sterilization systems that closely match the surgical procedure sequence or work with existing systems that need updates or upgrades. In either case, our team ensures functionality, safety, branding, and long-term field performance while considering manufacturing time frames and costs.
I had the opportunity to catch up with Michael, who is currently working on updating the existing system for one of our global OEMs. The project needed one new caddy component added to the system. While this sounds like a straightforward project, it required some skill and savvy to accomplish the job while also improving existing features and reducing cost along the way.
The new caddy had to function within the existing case footprint. Michael needed to strategically move contents around and reconfigure the design while maintaining surgical procedure requirements. He also needed to design a new front panel compartment with a brand-new latching mechanism. During the first round of design, the off-the-shelf button he tried failed sterilization testing, so Michael decided to try something different. He reworked the design using a custom spring latch that the user can push down to disengage. Michael adopted a new pin design option that ultimately helped reduce costs.
This caddy was also designed with a pop-out tray for another instrument. This uses two ball plungers to lock into place. These mechanisms are generally used for Radell covers; however, in this case, the mechanism delivered a solid solution for extra storage in an otherwise dead space.
The final product speaks for itself, and the customer received a multipurpose system that meets all their goals. Our thanks to Michael and his determination to deliver a high-performance product with the design, quality, and ingenuity that Medicraft is known for.