The Power of Electrons is in Minneapolis with E-BEAM Services 

By ebeam | Published: October 17, 2019

 

MD&M Minneapolis 2019: E-Beam Services is getting ready for a trip to the Twin Cities next week!

The team will be talking about the wonderful world of electrons for clean, quick, consistent sterilization with attendees at the Medical Design and Manufacturing (MD&M) Minneapolis. Minneapolis is a hotspot for the newest advancements in medtech and this show never disappoints us with opportunity. 

One of the biggest questions our E-BEAM experts anticipate (we heard these at MDM East) is about process and product packaging. We use high power state of the art accelerators to create a powerful beam of electrons. Let’s be clear; there is no radioactivity involved. In electron beam sterilization, boxes of medical devices are put on a conveyor in a single layer. As they pass through the beam, electrons penetrate the cardboard box and all the medical devices in their individual packages inside the carton. It is fast! And hands down, E-BEAM Services provides the most cost-effective radiation sterilization for low to medium density medical devices. 

E-BEAM Services prides itself on delivering solutions that provide safe, standardized and effective processing, while maintaining product integrity. We believe this is a commitment that translates to everyone’s success. 

E-BEAM Services was so busy at MDM East that we know this one will be equally as busy. 

We are definitely planning to take a spin in VSI Labs’ level 2 autonomous vehicle this year – last year our feet hurt. Come visit us at booth 1343! 

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Crash Course Recap: What do I do if my packaging is too dense?

By ebeam | Published: September 24, 2019

 

E-beam sterilization can be a good fit for a lot of different products, thanks to its fast dose rate and the fact that it doesn’t need a radioactive or carcinogenic source like some other sterilization options.

But deciding to use e-beam is only the first step. Sometimes, existing packaging configurations are too dense to be penetrated by e-beam. End of the e-beam road, right?

Not necessarily…

Sometimes, a simple packaging change can be all you need to be able to use e-beam sterilization.

Check out the latest Crash Course above about Repackaging to see an example of what exactly we mean.

Want to know if your current packaging configuration is a good fit for e-beam? Reach out to our Tech Services team at ebeam@ebeamservices.com and they’ll be happy to do a free evaluation.

 

 

Posted in Bioreduction, E-Beam, Processing Capabilities, Product Validation, Sterilization | Comments closed

MD&M East: The Big Apple Welcomes Electron Experts E-BEAM Services

By ebeam | Published: June 4, 2019

MD&M East

It’s June, and that means E-BEAM Services will be in NYC next week, taking in a show, eating a hot dog or two in Central Park, and bringing the science of electron beam sterilization to the MD&M East trade show.

This show is always the place to be in the medical device world as the largest and longest-running medtech event on the East Coast. We love it not just because NYC is a great place, but because we also get to learn the latest in industry advancements, including first looks at innovations yet to hit the market and to explore new applications for e-beam sterilization. 

Haven’t registered for the show yet? Click here and use promo code SPECIALE-B to register for free! Explore the latest in surgical robots, wearables devices, polymers and resins, green sterilization contractors (thats us!) and more from medtech’s leading solution providers. 

Did you know that most sterilization products, utilizing e-beam technolgoy, are only exposed to the shower of electrons for a matter of seconds? E-beam sterilization has a much faster dose rate than other sterilization methods, like gamma for instance. This means that the process is quicker (which can be important for companies that need a fast turnaround or offer “just in time” deliveries) and there can be less degradation to your products (which is important for obvious reasons). 

And this is just one of the many benefits of e-beam sterilization, so be sure to stop by booth number 1956 or reach out to us at ebeam@ebeamservices.com to learn more! 

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How do I convert from ETO or Gamma to E-beam sterilization?

By ebeam | Published: May 20, 2019

conversion to e-beam sterilization

 

Whether you’re looking for faster processing time or something more environmentally friendly, e-beam can be a great choice for terminal sterilization. However, the thought of going through the conversion process from an existing sterilization method can have those of you in quality hiding under your desks.

The bad news? Yeah. Not gonna lie. It’s a daunting task.

The good news? We’re here to walk you through it!

If you’re interested in converting and want to know more about how we can help you specifically, email us at ebeam@ebeamservices.com to set up a free consultation call.

In the meantime, here is a quick rundown of the steps needed to convert from ETO or Gamma.
Read More »

Posted in E-Beam, Product Validation, Sterilization | Comments closed

Crash Course Recap: The Polymer Dating Game

By ebeam | Published: May 13, 2019

 

Whether you need terminal sterilization or crosslinking, your product either consists of or is packaged in at least one polymer. How those polymers react to e-beam is extremely important. In the E-BEAM Crash Course: The Polymer Dating Game, we take a look at three common polymers, and how they react to e-beam.

Polyethylene (PE)

The polyethylene molecule consists of a carbon backbone with two hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon. The electrons will break the C-H bonds, allowing the carbon backbone of one molecule to bond with the carbon backbone of an adjacent molecule. The final result is an increase in the molecular weight of the polymer, imparting beneficial properties like better abrasion resistance, less permeability, increased tensile strength, and higher operating temperatures. For more information, check out this Crash Course.

Summary: ✔️ Polyethylene (PE) is a great fit for e-beam processing, and will crosslink readily.

Polystyrene (PS)

Polystyrene is a long chain hydrocarbon in which alternating carbon centers are attached to phenyl groups. Due to the high aromatic content of the molecule, polystyrene is relatively radiation resistant. There is no significant change or shift in color.

Summary: ✔️ Polystyrene (PS) is a great fit for e-beam sterilization, but not a good fit for crosslinking or chain scissioning applications.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

The PTFE molecule consists of a carbon backbone (like PE), but instead of hydrogen atoms, it contains fluorine atoms. These C-F bonds are incredibly strong; when exposed to electrons, the electrons end up breaking the C-C bonds instead, resulting in chain scissioning and a decrease in molecular weight. PTFE can then be ground into a fine powder for use in applications such as coatings in the automotive industry and inks.

Summary: ✔️ Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a great fit for e-beam chain scissioning, but would not be a good fit for sterilization or crosslinking applications.

Want to learn more? Send us an email at ebeam@ebeamservices.com.

Posted in Chain Scissioning, Crosslinking & Polymer Modification, E-Beam, Property Improvements, Sterilization | Comments closed

E-BEAM Services to Showcase Power of Electron Enhancement at NA FOAM EXPO

By ebeam | Published: March 19, 2019

E-BEAM Crosslinked Foam

E-BEAM Services is sending their product enhancement expertise on the road this March for North America’s leading exhibition for the technical foam manufacturing supply chain: the Foam Expo North America Conference.   

We are proud to add value to the world of foam with our high–speed innovative process (and thank the organizers of Foam Expo for the opportunity to showcase the technology). Electron beam processing is used to create crosslinked foam.    

Crosslinked foam has increased heat stability, strength, and chemical resistance while retaining flexibility. These properties make it great for interior automotive applications and a variety of other industry sectors. All of these property improvements can be attributed to the fine-celled nature of e-beam crosslinked foam. With e-beam crosslinked foam, all the coveted properties of fine-celled foams are automatically created! 

And this is just a few of the many benefits of e-beam crosslinked foam, so be sure to stop by booth number 330 or reach out to us at ebeam@ebeamservices.com to learn more! 

Posted in Crosslinking & Polymer Modification, E-Beam, Sheet Processing | Comments closed

Crash Course Recap: Sensitive Product Sterilization

By ebeam | Published: February 22, 2019

 

With its high dose rate, we all know by now that e-beam is a great tool for sterilizing medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

(If you don’t know this yet, you should check out these videos!)

But what in the world do you do if you need to sterilize something that is heat or radiation sensitive?

Enter Dr. Gustavo Varca, worldwide radiation expert.

In this Crash Course, Dr. Varca walks us through 4 ways we can use e-beam technology to sterilize sensitive products, like human cell and tissue products and pharmaceuticals.
Read More »

Posted in E-Beam, Processing Capabilities, Sterilization | Comments closed

Kicking off 2019: Electrons and Innovations in MedTech @MD&M WEST

By ebeam | Published: February 5, 2019

MD&M West

E-BEAM Services will be joining 19,000 of our close friends in sunny Anaheim, CA February 5-7 for a closer look at medical device innovations and e-beam applications at the MD&M West show.

Showcasing the latest solutions in contract manufacturing, contract sterilization (yours truly 😉), manufacturing equipment, automation, R&D, medical device components, materials, plastics, and much more – this show is a great kick-off to 2019 for the E-BEAM Services team.

As a collaborative contract sterilization partner in the MedTech sector, E-BEAM Services sees attendance at this show – billed as “Today’s Insights. Tomorrow’s Technology” – as key to working with our clients in the early stages of development for long term, cost effective solutions to sterilization needs. E-BEAM Services provides the most cost-effective radiation sterilization for low to medium density medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

We look forward to reconnecting with our existing customer base and making new friends at the MD&M West!

We always welcome the chance to further discuss how e-beam sterilization can help you EXCEED with your business, compliance, and profitability goals. Let us know if you will be there too – ebeam@ebeamservices.com!

Posted in E-Beam, Sterilization | Comments closed

Our 2019 New Year’s Resolutions

By ebeam | Published: January 7, 2019

E-BEAM Services New Year's Resolutions

As the new year begins, the employees here at E-BEAM have started to work towards their individual resolutions.

Alex would like to cut back on fast food… Olivia is going to get her yoga teacher’s certification… Alissa is definitely going to carve out more time for herself this year… Read More »

Posted in Crosslinking & Polymer Modification, E-Beam, Sterilization | Comments closed

E-BEAM Services brings the Power of Electrons to Minneapolis

By ebeam | Published: November 8, 2018

E-BEAM at MD&M Minneapolis 2018E-Beam Services was on the road again sharing the amazing Power of Electrons story with attendees at the Medical Design and Manufacturing (MD&M) Minneapolis show from October 31 through November 1.

We always look forward to this show each year and being a part of the MD&M supplier showcase experience, as it is a great way to highlight our electron beam sterilization technology and capabilities. It also provides an opportunity as a critical partner in the evolving and growing med tech ecosystem. Read More »

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