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Author Archives: Jefferson Rubber Works

  1. Unveiling the Power of Medical Device Molding: Shaping the Future of Healthcare

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    Medical device molding is a specialized manufacturing process to create precise components for healthcare tools and equipment. It involves injecting molten materials(often Liquid Silicone Rubber)into a mold cavity to shape and form the desired part. This technique ensures consistent quality, tight tolerances, and sterile manufacturing conditions, all of which are vital for the efficacy of devices in healthcare settings.

    In this article, we will explore the potential of medical molding in revolutionizing the healthcare industry. We will focus on its role in developing and manufacturing advanced tools and equipment that address complex healthcare concerns.

    The Role of Medical Device Molding in the Healthcare Industry

    Medical device molding facilitates the progress, creation, and enhancement of critical apparatus and machinery in the healthcare industry. One of its contributions is its ability to fabricate intricate components crucial for the operational efficacy of tools. This precision ensures that items like syringes, catheters, and other surgical instruments align with the exacting safety benchmarks mandated in medical environments.

    The complex nature of this molding technique also enables the creation of miniaturized components essential in implantable devices’ functionality. These instruments, usually designed to fit with the bodys anatomy, need parts tailored to suit each patients unique physiological requirements.

    Another key contribution of medical molding is its ability to facilitate innovation in healthcare technology. With the advancement of materials science and engineering, this technique allows for the production of novel tools that address previously unmet healthcare challenges. Medical device molding is the backbone of these breakthroughs, from advanced imaging equipment to implantable sensors.

    Healthcare Innovations Leveraging Medical Device Molding

    Healthcare innovations that utilize medical molding have substantially altered the medical technology landscape, improving patient care, diagnostics, and treatment. Here are examples of groundbreaking advancements that have emerged:

    Drug Delivery Systems

    The molding technology ensures controlled and precise administration of medications by creating parts for insulin pumps, inhales, and transdermal patches. These devices enhance treatment efficacy, minimize side effects, and provide patients with convenient and reliable medication delivery.

    Implantable Medical Devices

    Cutting-edge developments like pacemakers, cochlear implants, and artificial joints benefit from parts manufactured with unparalleled accuracy. Medical molding guarantees a seamless integration of these devices into the body, leading to minimal to no discomfort and improved extended suitability. This results in enhanced quality of life and holistic wellness of patients.

    Medical Imaging

    Precisely molded components, which are integral to MRI and CT scanners, produce clearer and more detailed images. This enables healthcare professionals to accurately identify and analyze medical conditions. Additionally, the increased precision equips clinicians with a deeper understanding of anatomical structures and pathological nuance, fostering more informed clinical judgments.

    Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures

    The ability to craft tools that seamlessly navigate the human body’s delicate structures has expanded the possibilities of surgical interventions. For example, medical molding allows the creation of precisely tailored components for surgical instruments used in procedures like laparoscopy and endoscopy. This has reduced patient trauma, promoted faster recovery, and improved surgical outcomes.

    Wearable Medical Devices and Point-of-Care Diagnostics

    The molding process has enabled the fabrication of compact components used in continuous glucose monitors, wearable ECG monitors, and portable diagnostic tools. These devices offer real-time monitoring and data collection capabilities, empowering healthcare professionals to swiftly make well-informed decisions.

    Choose Jefferson Rubber Works for High-Quality Molding Solutions

    At Jefferson Rubber Works, our approach combines industry expertise and state-of-the-art LSR molding technology. This results in tailored solutions and services that precisely meet your specific requirements while remaining cost-effective. Our team is ready to support you from component design to prototype development, production, finishing, and assembly.

    Contact us today to find out more about our services! You can also request a quote now.

  2. Liquid Silicone Moldings for the Medical Industry

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    Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is a type of silicone elastomer liquid at room temperature and can be molded into various shapes using injection molding techniques. Its unique properties make LSR an essential material in the medical manufacturing industry. This ensures that medical devices and equipment are safe, effective, and durable.

    This article will explore the uses of LSR in medical products and the manufacturing process behind it.

    Applications of LSR in the Medical Manufacturing Industry

    Below are some examples of how LSR is used in the manufacturing industry for medical products and equipment:

    Medical Device Components

    The flexibility, durability, and biocompatibility of LSR make it the preferred choice for most medical devices. These include catheters, syringes, and medical tubes and containers. It is also frequently used to seal respiratory masks and dental impressions for dental crowns and bridge works. Lastly, it is utilized to manufacture diagnostic equipment, including ultrasound gels and probe covers.

    Implants

    LSR is a popular material for implantable devices due to its high purity and resistance to heat and chemicals. It can also be molded into various shapes, allowing for the customization of implants to fit individual patient needs. Additionally, it is suitable for long-term implantation, making it ideal for artificial heart valves, breast implants, and cochlear implants.

    Surgical Instruments

    Using LSR in surgical instruments gives surgeons the tools to perform complex procedures with greater precision and accuracy. Moreover, they can easily be sterilized using various methods, ensuring they are safe and free from harmful bacteria.

    Wearable Medical Technology

    Wearable medical technology has become increasingly popular, providing patients with real-time health monitoring and data collection capabilities. Examples of this technology include glucose monitoring systems, ECG monitors, and sleep trackers. The use of LSR improves patient outcomes and provides healthcare professionals with valuable data that can be used to optimize patient treatment.

    Jefferson Rubber Works’ Certification and Capabilities

    Jefferson Rubber Works, a leading supplier of custom rubber products, is pleased to announce that we have been awarded the ISO 13485:2016 certification for our Medical Device Quality Management System (QMS). It is an internationally recognized quality standard specific to the medical device industry that ensures the quality of medical device design, development, and production.

    The certification underscores our commitment to providing high-quality rubber-molded products for the industry. In addition, our QMS focuses on delivering devices and related services that consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements. We also ensure our products are safe and meet customer needs through an audit, management review, and continuous improvement processes.

    Manufacturing LSR components can often present unforeseen challenges that require creative problem-solving. At Jefferson Rubber Works, we have the expertise to meet these challenges head-on. With the addition of our Class 8 molding and component assembly cleanroom we are expanding our capabilities and strengthening our position in the market.

    Partner With Jefferson Rubber Works for High-Quality Rubber Products and Services

    With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Jefferson Rubber Works has become a leading supplier of custom rubber products and services! Our capabilities include liquid silicone molding, rubber injection molding, transfer molding, thermoplastic rubber, and composite moldings. We also specialize in meeting customers’ unique needs in various markets, including the medical industry.

    Contact us or request a quote today to learn more about how we can help meet your custom needs!

  4. Jefferson rubber announces clean room expansion for 2022

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    Jefferson Rubber Works Inc., a custom manufacturer of rubber molded products, has announced the will be completing a Class 8 Medical molding room for 2022. “The Class 8 Clean Room will allow us to expand in the manufacturing of custom rubber products for the medical industry,” said Company President Dave Pentland. “Our class 8 clean room is ideal for our customers with high volume medical devices or other products that require an ISO-certified hygienic production environment,” Pentland stated.

    The company is currently ISO 9001-2015 certified, as is working on its ISO – 13485 Certification, also expected in later in 2022.

    The primary focus of the Clean room will be LSR and TPR injection molding with addition equipment schedule later in the year.

    “There is currently a big demand for molded medical devices and components – due to the Pandemic and new orders are coming in fast. Jefferson Rubber continues its efforts to be the leader in custom rubber molded products, providing exceptional quality and superior customer service,” Pentland said.

    About Jefferson Rubber

    Jefferson Rubber Works is a leading manufacturer of custom precision, injection molded rubber products. Jefferson Rubber’s staff brings a broad spectrum of expertise and insight to every job. The company offers complete in-plant engineering services, from prototype design to finished product. For more information call 508-791-3600 or visit the Jefferson Rubber Works website: www.jeffersonrubber.com.

  5. Finding cost savings through efficiency gains

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    Modern business practices include a continuous review of all the processes and procedures employed in the business to ensure that it remains competitive and that the business model is sustainable. This forms the basis for internationally recognized standards such as the ISO 9001:2015. This standard is used by companies to ensure that their business consistently provides products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements and follow a process of continuous improvement.

    What is cost efficiency?

    Cost efficiency is often defined as the act of saving money by making a product or performing an activity in a better way.

    What factors drive up costs?

    • Inefficient processes
    • Raw material costs
    • Over delivery of services or over-specification of products
    • Wastage
    • Poor employee performance and staffing levels
    • Incorrect or irrelevant standards
    • Energy costs

    How do you identify inefficiencies?

    A thorough analysis of processes in business relies on valid, accurate, and current data. Without these, a baseline cannot be established, and it will not possible to measure any improvement that changes to business practices or procedures will make.

    As-Is

    This is a thorough investigation of the current status of the business as a whole or even parts of a company such as a production line or a specific service. It involves looking at all processes procedures and costs, documenting and then analyzing them.

    GAP analysis

    A gap analysis compares actual performance or results with what was expected or desired. This calls for the identification of best practices employed by competitors or other players in a similar business, either locally or globally. Suboptimal or missing strategies, structures, capabilities, processes, methods, technologies or skills can then be identified.

    To Be

    Once the GAP analysis has been concluded, recommendations can then be made that will assist the company to meet its goals in maximizing profits and delivering quality products to the market.

    Jefferson Rubber Works is an ISO9001:2015 accredited company and has had an ISO certification for several years as part of its dedication to manufacturing quality and defect-free products. Quality management is a cornerstone of their business model with a strong commitment to the process from all staff.

    Jefferson Rubber Works subscription to ISO9001:2015 principles has provided additional benefits to the company by reducing wastage, improving productivity, while customers benefit from lower product prices and consistently high-quality products. The standard assists the company across many levels, including customer focus, improving management and processes within the company. Adherence to these standards results in a process of continual improvement in the quality of products and services while reducing wastage of resources. Learn more about our USA rubber molding supplier capabilities here.

  6. Benefits of working with a small company that interacts with customers

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    Customer service is the main reason consumers choose small businesses over their larger competitors. Their top requirements are for personalized interactions and the supplier’s extensive knowledge of customers’ needs. Today’s business conditions often require suppliers to be agile and able to respond to changes in the market at short notice. This is where small businesses come into their own and why we at Jefferson strive to always keep the customer front and center.

    Why work with a small company?

    #1 – Culture

    Smaller companies are likely to be run by management and staff who have taken the company from a start-up business to become a reputable supplier. During this process, the company will have developed a corporate culture that its employees fully understand and subscribe to. Corporate culture forms a big part of the brand that customers identify and will want to work with.

    #2 – Customer Relationships

    The customer is the reason for the business. Smaller businesses and their customer-facing staff are more sensitive to this fact than their larger competitors. Customers are more likely to be dealing with the same person regularly when dealing with a smaller company and, in the process, develop closer inter-personal relationships. The person responding to the customer call in a small business is also likely to be an owner or someone who has a deep understanding of the company, its products and be a decision-maker, This makes them able to attend to a customer’s requirements immediately.

    #3 – Flexibility

    Small companies are inherently more flexible than their larger competitors. The decision-making process is shorter and often only involves a single person. They are, therefore, able to react quickly to any change in customer requirements or any potential problem arising from an order. These businesses have also learned that their survival depends on being able to respond rapidly to changing market conditions or lapses by competitors.

    #4 – Specialization

    Smaller businesses tend to focus on niche markets where either their specialized knowledge or unique products set them apart from their competitors. By specializing, a small business can often charge a premium for their products and improve margins. Being a specialist in a specific field and delivering a quality product are essential factors in ensuring the sustainability of a small enterprise.

    #5 – Communication

    Well run smaller businesses place a significant emphasis on internal and external communications. They focus on regular communication and feedback to their clients while at the same time keeping their staff well informed of the latest developments and changes in customer requirements. They also stay abreast of the latest technology and communication aids and incorporate their customer’s needs into these systems.

    #6 – Employee Engagement

    Staff in smaller companies tend to have a closer relationship with their employer than might be the case in a larger business. Although opportunities for advancement may not be as readily available as in more prominent companies, levels of commitment to quality and meeting production targets are often very high. They are also open to cross-skilling which adds to employee satisfaction levels and ultimately to a better understanding of customer needs.

    Jefferson Rubber Works is a leading supplier of custom rubber products based in the United States of America. Their highly skilled staff and a company with more than 40 years of experience can meet every custom rubber molded injection requirement. They will give you a fuss-free “one-stop shop” experience from concept and design to the final high-quality product you need.

  7. Tarrifs

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    Understanding different tariffs and duties in important for US businesses as it helps to give context to buying locally made products that don’t have the same high taxation rates. Tariffs or duties are taxes imposed on imports or exports between countries. The primary aim of an import tariff is to regulate foreign trade. Import tariffs are a part of a government’s policy that taxes foreign products to encourage or protect domestic industries and businesses. They serve as a source of income for governments, much the same as various other forms of consumption taxes.

    The tariffs that the government of the United States of America are applying to imported goods and services from countries across the globe are intended to support local American industries and increase employment opportunities.

    Learn more about our USA rubber molding capabilities.

    Why import tariffs and duties?

    • Protecting domestic employment – Political parties often raise the possibility of increased competition from imported goods that can threaten domestic industries to mobilize an electorate;
    • Protecting consumers – In some instance’s tariffs may be imposed to protect local consumers from sub-standard or hazardous products;
    • Infant industries – Governments, particularly in developing countries, may impose tariffs to shield infant and start-up industries from the external competition;
    • National security – Tariff barriers may be employed by governments to protect strategic economic sectors such as defence contractors or providers of information and communications technology;
    • Retaliation – Countries can set tariffs as retaliation for a perceived or real subversion of trading rules or solely for political purposes.

    Who pays for the import tariffs or duties?

    Ultimately domestic consumers in the importing country pay for the tariffs levied by their government on specific categories of imported goods or services.  The tariffs are not levied at the source of the import so they do not directly affect the exporting country. The net effect is, however, to make foreign products more expensive for consumers and may ultimately lead to reduced demand for such products or import substitution.  If manufacturers rely on imported components or other inputs in their production process that are subject to import tariffs, they will either have to pass on the increased cost to consumers or absorb this cost while reducing their profit margin.

    Types of tariffs and duties

    • Specific tariffs – the duty is calculated at fixed amount per unit that is imported;
    • Ad valorem tariffs – the tariff payable is based on a percentage of the value of the goods;
    • Licenses – importers must obtain costly licenses to import certain products. The cost of these licenses is passed on to the consumer, pushing up the cost and reducing demand. This ultimately leads to a reduction in business competitiveness;
    • Import quotas – quotas are set to limit the imported volumes of certain targeted items;
    • Voluntary export restraints – these are export limitations imposed by exporting countries in response to similar restraints set by trading partners to protect certain industries or sectors in each other’s countries;
    • Local content requirements – local content requirements are introduced to support to ensure that a portion of inputs for local production are locally sourced and not imported.

    Jefferson Rubber Works is an American owned and based company, primarily supplying customers within the United States of America. Our history of supplying high-quality rubber molded products stretches over more than 40 years. We’re proud that over 85% of our comprehensive range of products are manufactured locally in our modern production facility in Worcester, Massachusetts.

  8. Quality Is Our Culture

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    Jefferson Rubber Works is an ISO9001:2015 accredited company and has had an ISO certification for several years as part of its dedication to manufacturing quality and defect free products. Quality management is a cornerstone of their business model with a strong commitment to the process from all staff. Jefferson Rubber Works subscription to ISO9001:2015 principles has provided additional benefits to the company by reducing wastage, improving productivity, while customers benefit from lower product prices and consistently high quality products.

    Jefferson Rubber Works’ quality assurance system involves every employee from the CEO to shop floor staff to ensure that incoming base materials meet preset standards and that the final product is defect free and meets specifications through an effective and efficient manufacturing process.

    What is ISO9001:2015?

    ISO 9001:2015 is the most current version of the International Standards Organization standards specifying requirements for a quality management system. The standard is applied by organizations and businesses to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

    The standard assists companies across many levels, including customer focus, improving management and processes within the company. Adherence to these standards results in a process of continual improvement in the quality of products and services while reducing wastage of resources.

    The company further benefits from the ability to easily replicate processes, process flows, and procedures when adding new product or production lines.

    Why Does Jefferson Rubber Works Subscribe to ISO9001:2015?

    Jefferson Rubber Works understands that adherence to ISO9001:2015 leads to benefits for both the company and its customers in terms of quality and competitive pricing of its products. All their processes and procedures are audited by independent accessors on an annual basis. The company takes pride in its ISO certification and reflects this on all their product labeling and publications.

    How Is ISO 9001:2015 Applied at Jefferson Rubber Works?

    Jefferson Rubber Works have been ISO 9001 certified for several years and appreciate the enormous benefits that have accrued to the company and its customers during this time.  Certification and annual recertification have been a process of ongoing learning and reaching a better understanding of the business. Internal auditors continually evaluate processes, procedures, and process flows with constant feedback to relevant staff for deviations from standard, suggested remedies, and upgrades to standards.

    Processes

    All rubber molding formats consist of several steps. Each process is carefully analyzed for potential flaws that can lead to disruption of the production cycle or cause quality control challenges. These are then reviewed by management and line workers, and where deemed necessary, the process is changed and documented in the ISO manual as an upgraded standard.

    Process Flows

    Process flows provide a schematic view of how the processes interact and the sequences in which they are applied. These processes flows include both the physical aspects of production and the associated documentary records. Any deviation will result in investigations leading to a review and amended process flow in the ISO manual if necessary.

    Procedures

    ISO 9001 sets demands for the business to maintain extensive records about all its production and administrative processes. To maintain certification, the company must submit all its quality management system records for independent verification on an annual basis. The yearly audit reviews the control of documents and records, internal audits, control of nonconforming products, corrective actions, and preventative measures taken.

    Jefferson Rubber Works, having noted the advantages of ISO 9001:2015 certification, is currently exploring further ISO certification standards with regards to Environmental Management ISO 18001 and Occupational Health and Safety ISO 45001 (formally ISO 18001). These standards will ensure further benefit the company’s interation with its workforce and neighbouring communities and businesses.

  9. Material Specifications for Rubber Products

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    Jefferson Rubber Works produce an extensive range of high quality, precision made, and cost-efficient molded rubber parts. The company and their highly competent staff have more than 40 years of experience to meet every custom rubber molded injection requirement from design to the supply of the high-quality products that you need.

    All products are subject to stringent quality controls throughout the manufacturing process so that they meet the design specifications demanded by their customers for their product. Jefferson Rubber Works also provide in-house testing and verification by customer appointed certification agencies.

    Products can be designed, manufactured, and tested to meet the following standards:

    MIL – Military Specification

    The Military Standard Specification is designed to achieve the standardization objectives of the United States Department of Defence. Standardization is crucial to the military to ensure the interoperability, commonality, reliability, interchangeability, and value for money for materials across all services and units while remaining compatible with its logistics systems. There are currently almost fifty Military Specifications.

    MIL Specifications are also applied by other government departments and industry in general,  including some outside the United States.

    ASTM – The American Society for Testing and Materials

    The American Society for Testing and Materials was founded in 1893 and is now known as ASTM International. It is an international standards organization that sets more than 12,500 technical standards for a range of materials, products, systems, and services.  Many federal, state and municipal government regulations incorporate ASTM Standards.

    ASTM International has more than 30,000 members globally, and its technical committees determine a wide range of specification by consensus. ASTM International produces standards and has laboratories in 104 countries testing and certifying products.

    UL – Underwriters Laboratories

    Formerly known as Underwriters Laboratories, this global certification company specializes in the safety analysis of many new technologies. A large part of its mandate concerns safety issues, including hazardous substances, water quality, food safety, performance testing, and operational safety. There are currently more than fifty-five UL standards.

    FDA – The Food and Drug Administration

    The FDA or The Food and Drug Administration of the United States is responsible for protecting and promoting public health. The FDA evaluates products and issues regulations based on the laws of the country. Its mandate is the control and supervision of food and medical safety in the United States, including tobacco products, medicines, vaccines, and medical devices. The FDA also regulates food additives and drugs given to animals.

    FDA compliance concerning food grade materials indicates that they are safe to use in contact with food products.

    WRAS – Water Regulations Advisory Scheme

    The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) is a United Kingdom-based company that sets standards for plumbing systems, water fittings, and equipment used in the supply of water from public water supplies. In the United Kingdom, it is illegal to install non-WRAS approved accessories where human health could be compromised.

    Materials & components, such as rubber sheeting, piping & ‘O’ rings, undergo testing only for their effects on water quality.  This type of approval demonstrates that the product does not itself contaminate the water and therefore satisfies this particular requirement of laws and regulations. Materials are tested in accordance with the British 6920 Standard.

    NQA – American Society of Mechanical Engineers

    The American Society of Mechanical Engineers or ASME NQA provides a regulatory standards organization that provides certification programs for companies supplying items or services to nuclear facilities. To date, the NQA has set eleven sets of standards and eighteen requirements.

    ISO 9001:2015 – International Standards Organization

    The International Standards Organization sets several global standards for certification. ISO 9001 refers specifically to the requirements for a quality management system that can consistently deliver products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. The quality management systems are beneficial to both customers and manufacturers alike and lay the foundations for a process of continuous improvement of systems and products.

    Jefferson Rubber Works is dedicated to providing its customers with high quality molded rubber products that meet the highest specification in terms of customer and regulatory requirements. The products, management systems, source materials, and production processes can match the United States and international standards required by their clients. Jefferson Rubber Works has extensive in-house and outsourced product testing facilities for high quality assurance.

  10. Jefferson Rubber Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Certification

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    Worcester, MA – Jefferson Rubber Works Inc., a custom manufacturer of rubber molded products,   has received ISO 9001:2015 certification of its rubber molding manufacturing plant located in Worcester, Massachusetts.

    “This latest achievement confirms our commitment to a quality process, which is paramount to our goal of providing top level service to all of our clients,” said Company President Dave Pentland. “Each person in our company must be totally committed to the pursuit of quality. By analyzing our operation at every level, we assure that our customers receive superior customer service and the highest quality products,” Pentland stated.

    ISO 9001:2015 is a quality management system standard that was developed by the International Organization for Standardization, which is an association of governmental and nongovernmental organizations from many countries. The ISO 9001:2015 standard is utilized to certify quality management systems that focus on continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and the active involvement of both management and employees in a process based approach.

    The ISO 9001:2015 certification process was recently finalized in October, 2018  through an audit conducted by CIC Management in Salem, New Hampshire

    “Jefferson Rubber continues its efforts to be the leader in custom rubber molded products , providing exceptional quality and superior customer service,” Pentland said.

    About Jefferson Rubber

    Jefferson Rubber Works is a leading manufacturer  of custom precision, injection molded rubber products.  Jefferson Rubber’s staff brings a broad spectrum of expertise and insight to every job.  The company offers complete in-plant engineering services, from prototype design to finished product.  For more information call 508-791-3600 or visit the Jefferson Rubber Works website: www.jeffersonrubber.com.