Apr 20 2009
W. L. Gore & Associates, a world leader in supplying high-performance, specialized filtration products, has developed the new GORE Adsorbent Filter, an integrated filtration solution that simplifies the manufacturing process of medical devices without compromising product performance.
With both activated carbon media and Gore's proprietary expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane, this new filter delivers the best combination of adsorption, high airflow, and liquid resistance available in the market today.
GORE Adsorbent Filters reduce device manufacturing costs in several ways. First, device manufacturers can avoid the capital investment in equipment and operating expenses for filter assembly - including raw material and filter scrap - and reduce manufacturing and quality assurance overhead. Second, filter integration processes and equipment can be simplified because of a simple peel-and-stick method. Third, manufacturers can streamline the supply chain and consolidate their supplier base. These cost reductions lead to productivity gains in operations.
According to Tom Quinci, Gore's North American medical filtration product manager, one of Gore's core values is to develop products based on the specific need of their customers and the requirements of their device, a value they call fitness for use. "In working with medical device manufacturers, we found they were using complicated processes to produce filter subassemblies. Universally, production groups wanted a combined product. 'We're not a filter company, we make medical devices,' one customer explained. In the end, we developed a product to meet the needs of a broad customer base."
This new filter combines filtration and adsorption media with a flexible automation process to produce cost-effective adsorption filters. Quinci adds, "Our product testing has confirmed the filter's performance and verified its most important functionality - liquid retention. The GORE Adsorbent Filter simplifies our customers' manufacturing processes and enhances the performance of their devices."
http://www.gore.com/