Confluent Medical Debuts Filmcast Select for Tailored Polymer Tubing Performance

Confluent Medical Technologies, Chattanooga, Tennessee, announced the launch of Filmcast Select, a materials customization program that enables medical device OEMs to tailor key performance attributes of Filmcast PTFE and polyimide tubing for specific applications.

The program addresses a growing challenge in minimally invasive device design: as procedures advance and devices become smaller and more complex, the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to polymer tubing is no longer sufficient. Filmcast Select allows customers to select tubing based on the characteristics that matter most, including flexibility, strength, durability, surface finish, and optical clarity.

The program includes several specialized PTFE options: FlexaCast for increased flexibility and elongation, DuraCast for enhanced abrasion resistance, and UltraCast for higher tensile strength in demanding applications. Confluent can also work with customer-preferred PTFE dispersions, allowing OEMs to leverage existing biocompatibility data and reduce development time.

Confluent Medical Technologies is a global leader in the design and manufacture of medical devices and components, specializing in nitinol, polymer, and catheter-based technologies.

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Confluent announces significant investment in ATI nitinol melt expansion

Confluent, Scottsdale, AZ, announced a partnership with ATI to invest over $50 million in expanding ATI’s Nitinol melt and materials conversion infrastructure. This investment will more than triple ATI’s melt capacity for medical Nitinol, with Confluent becoming ATI’s fulfillment partner. Confluent will provide value-added services and order fulfillment for ATI’s medical Nitinol mill products.

Dean Schauer, CEO and president of Confluent, highlighted the demand growth in the Neurovascular, Electrophysiology, Structural Heart, Peripheral Vascular, and Orthopedic device markets, which is driving an 18% growth rate (CAGR) in Nitinol demand. Schauer emphasized that the industry has struggled to support this growth due to the substantial equipment and infrastructural costs needed to increase supply chain capacity. Confluent’s investment aims to provide the necessary mid-term and long-term melt and conversion capacity to meet this demand, ensuring a reliable supply chain for OEM customers.

Rob Foster, president of ATI’s Specialty Alloys & Components business, expressed appreciation for Confluent’s investment and trust in ATI’s expertise. Foster noted that this partnership would ensure a stable supply of Nitinol, crucial for the industry’s growth. The expansion at ATI’s Millersburg, Oregon facility is expected to be operational by 2027.

With these expanded capabilities, Confluent will continue to offer a reliable supply chain, delivering a comprehensive range of medical Nitinol services, including mill products, hollows, tubes, wires, and components.

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Kanthal and Rath announce strategic partnership to expand sustainable industrial heating technology offerings

Kanthal and Rath, Amherst, NY, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at expanding their combined offering in industrial heating technology. This collaboration is set to benefit industries such as steel and petrochemical as they strive to transition to greener practices.

By joining forces, Kanthal and Rath will create the most extensive range of sustainable industrial heating solutions available in the market. Kanthal’s expertise in heating elements and systems, combined with Rath’s premium insulation and refractory products, will provide customers with a unique and comprehensive offering to meet their industrial heating needs.

Robert Stål, president of Kanthal, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Rath to further expand our offerings in industrial heating technology, enabling societies and industries to make the green shift. In this era of electrification, this partnership will provide our customers with a broader range of innovative solutions that will enable them to optimize their operations and achieve their sustainability goals. Together, we can leverage our collective expertise to deliver greater value to our customers and help them thrive in a rapidly evolving market.”

Andreas Pfneiszl, CFO/CSO of Rath, emphasized their focus on sustainability, particularly in developing energy-saving refractory products and materials for electrically heated furnaces. He stated, “With our strategic partner Kanthal, we will enable customers’ shift towards fossil-fuel-free production.” This partnership aligns with Rath’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

Through closer collaboration in developing new technologies and solutions, Kanthal and Rath will leverage their expertise to drive the technology shift that industries like steel and petrochemical are currently undergoing. The joint go-to-market model will provide customers with a comprehensive portfolio of products and services, offering enhanced value and convenience.

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