Microspec’s Thermoplastic Extrusion Services—5Qs at Medica/CompaMed 2022

It’s been quite the hiatus since attending the Medica and CompaMed trade shows in Dusseldorf, Germany. My last visit to the event was 2019, prior to all the disruption created by the COVID-19 pandemic. With renewed enthusiasm, I was anxious to get back onto the show floor to meet with those companies attending the 2022 event. In anticipation of my visit, I reached out to a number of companies to get the scoop directly from them on what they are showcasing at the event, what challenges customers have brought them, and where they see their role within the industry in aiding medical device manufacturers. With that in mind, Tim Steele, president, CEO, and founder of Microspec Corp., shared the following insights to help you determine if the firm should be a potential services partner for you in 2023 or beyond.
 
Sean Fenske: What technology or service are you emphasizing at Medica/CompaMed this year?
 
Tim Steele: MicroSpec offers custom thermoplastic extrusion services. The company specializes in thin wall tubing, bump tubing, multi-lumen tubing, and co-extruded and tri-extruded tubing in almost all thermoplastics.
 
Fenske: What’s the most common challenge customers inquire about and how do you address it?
 
Steele: Typically, new customers come to us because they have not been able to find a partner/vendor who can extrude their complex and difficult tube. We pride ourselves on actively innovating with our customers/partners and have built a reputation for extruding some of the most complex and tightly toleranced tubing in the industry.
 
Fenske: If you could give one piece of advice to companies seeking a manufacturing partner before they make a decision, what would it be?
 
Steele: Talk to your extrusion vendor before finalizing a tube design as you can often avoid costly and time-consuming errors.
 
Fenske: What are the forces driving medical device manufacturers to seek your technology/services over doing it in-house?
 
Steele: In extrusion, our proven expertise, “know-how,” robust validation program, and all-around capacity helps our customers get to market faster while also ensuring a reliable supply chain that can be counted on.
 
Fenske: In what ways is your company able to aid in getting a product (project) to market faster?
 
Steele: We have the extrusion technology in house, including our own machine shop; therefore, we control almost everything that goes into making both production parts and prototype parts. Our customer service team is outstanding and keeps everyone informed and up to date.
 
Microspec Corp. is located at Medica/Compamed in Hall 8A, Booth/Stand E33.