The Medica/CompaMed trade fair is one of the largest exhibitions of medical devices, healthtech, and wellness products in the world. In addition to the finished device OEMs, a significant number of supply chain partners that support those companies also exhibit at the event. Combined, visitors can typically find anything they are seeking, from drug delivery innovations to hospital beds to component fabrication service providers. Regardless of where someone is in the care chain, the event should prove useful to all.

Unfortunately, because so many companies are showcasing their products and capabilities at the event, it’s nearly impossible to meet with every organization that might add value. Therefore, MPO has spoken with several exhibitors who are prepared and capable of serving medical device manufacturers looking for new or specialized partners to address the challenges they are currently facing or expect to face on future projects. The following “From the Booth” feature with John Tranquilli, materials manager at Apple Rubber Products Inc., will offer insights on whether you are the right fit to collaborate.

Sean Fenske: What technology or service are you emphasizing at Medica/CompaMed this year?

John Tranquilli: Apple Rubber continues to perfect our Micro O-ring technology, a breakthrough in precision and durability. Adding high-speed CNC machines for precision tooling and utilizing advanced Elmet LSR pumping units to feed all electric Arburg Injection Molding machines, we ensure the highest quality in our products.

Fenske: What’s the most common challenge customers inquire about and how do you address it?

Tranquilli: One of the most common challenges our medical customers face is the need for high-level qualifications for parts. At Apple Rubber, we have proactively addressed this by adding qualification engineers to work directly with customers. Our qualification process ensures qualifications are completed promptly without disrupting production and gives our customers peace of mind.

Fenske: If you could give one piece of advice to companies seeking a manufacturing partner before they make a decision, what would it be?

Tranquilli: Transparency is critical to have a good manufacturing partner. A company should know where the parts are made. Companies should be able to audit or see the process when required. Material and process change notification should be established for critical medical components. During prototype stages, two materials should be qualified to prevent supply disruptions if materials suppliers discontinue or shut down.

Fenske: What are the forces driving medical device manufacturers to seek your technology/services over doing it in-house?

Tranquilli: What sets us apart is our deep knowledge and experience in medical liquid silicone rubber molding. Since 1994, Apple Rubber has been at the forefront of this field, mastering the intricacies of materials, moldmaking, and processes. We’ve navigated all the trial and errors that many companies would have to go through to start up a process. This expertise allows us to go from prototype to production, with in-house tool making to reduce lead times, giving our customers a competitive edge.

Fenske: In what ways is your company able to aid in getting a product (project) to market faster?

Tranquilli: Our material expertise, spanning silicone, organic rubber, and thermoplastics, can help customers choose the right material faster. In-house tool-making capabilities enable us to quickly cut molds. Good material inventories prevent raw material lead times. If it is an O-ring, we might already have it in stock.

Apple Rubber Products Inc. is located at Medica/CompaMed in Hall 8B, Booth/Stand F20-2.