What is bioreduction and how does E-BEAM Services accomplish it?
Bioreduction is a general term for reducing the number of microorganisms, or bioburden, in a product, sometimes referred to as “killing bugs.” Sterilization is a special case of bioreduction that has specific requirements set by a regulatory body such as the FDA. If a product is labeled as “sterile”, it must meet those requirements.
Molecular Structures in Polymer Crosslinking Chemistry
If crosslinking chemistry is like carpentry on a molecular level, then electron beam processing is like having a “secret weapon” in your tool belt. Instead of using time-consuming and complicated chemical crosslinking, let the electrons do the heavy lifting! When a polymer is showered with high energy electrons, the electrons kick off hydrogens and create […]
We put the “X” in PEX: The Movie
We put the “X” in PEX pipe
Polyethylene (PE) pipe goes through the e-beam process and becomes crosslinked (X). That is how we put the “X” in PEX. Polyethylene is the most common polymer we electron beam crosslink every day. We see it in different forms, from injection molded and thermoformed parts, extruded sheet, tubing and wire and cable. While there are […]
E-BEAM Services’ post-show wrap-up: Crosslinking at NPE 2015
The E-BEAM Services team is back from Orlando after our week of exhibiting at the NPE 2015. With more than 1,000,000 square feet of exhibit space, over 2,000 exhibitors, and more than 60,000 individuals, and 20,000 buying companies, NPE 2015 had its largest event in its almost 70 year history!
What is cold sterilization?
Cold sterilization may be essential for certain: pharmaceutical products medical devices tissue samples biologics For products that contain heat-sensitive ingredients and yet require sterilization or bio-reduction treatments, cold sterilization provides protection via low temperature molecular stabilization.
What is a Lichtenberg tree?
It has been called “trapped lightning,” but is also known as a Lichtenberg tree. We can create these Lichtenberg figures by shooting millions of electrons 99% the speed of light into the top face of an acrylic plaque. The electrons become trapped in the middle when they are absorbed within the density of the […]
What is chain branching?
Crosslinking of polymers via electron beam irradiation (e-beam) is well known and the number of success stories involving it touch our daily lives in many ways – but more on that in a later blog. An important similar concept that might be a little less familiar to some is the process of chain branching. What […]
Is my product compatible with e-beam sterilization? At what maximum dose? What’s it cost to determine that?
Medical device manufacturers want to know if their product is compatible with e-beam sterilization; they can do it by performing a simple experiment. This experiment includes exposing a number of samples to a range of doses to see the effects of the radiation on their product materials and the packaging. Not only will the […]
Why use electron beam curing for reinforced plastics or composites?
With the different curing options out there, how do you know which one is best for your product? UV curing is a good method for surface treatments, however UV has limited penetration. Thermal curing may provide the answer for some thicker materials, however e-beam curing has several advantages over the thermal curing process: