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US Extruders announced it will collaborate with Colin Sutherland of Wexford Ireland to provide complete engineered systems for balloon tubing and balloon forming technologies. Colin Sutherland is recognized as a worldwide technology leader in specialty balloons for interventional, surgical and specialized applications. US Extruders develops medical extruders designed for tight-tolerance medical tubing applications with high process capabilities. 

The agreement includes the integration of Colin Sutherland’s automated balloon forming technology and expertise to develop and manufacture balloon designs from nylon, PET, Pebax, TPU and custom blends.

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Under the agreement, US Extruders will deliver a 25-mm Med-Ex extruder to Colin’s new development center in Wexford. In addition to a complete extrusion line and balloon forming equipment, in-house catheter manufacturing capabilities include molding, UV bonding, thermal bonding, laser welding, micro TIG welding, wire EDM, 3D printing capabilities and more. The new development center combines complete design, prototyping and testing capabilities. 

US Extruders’ 25-mm Med-Ex extrusion line. Source: US Extruders

The partnership also includes , Flagstaff, Arizona, which engages in balloon design and development, device assembly, pilot manufacturing, and production of catheter devices and intricate balloon assemblies, utilizing Colin technology.

“Poba Medical is excited to partner with Colin and anxious to evaluate the next-generation balloon-forming technology in a high-volume manufacturing environment,” says Dan Kasprzyk, founder and CEO of Poba Medical. “Colin’s passion as a toolmaker and recognized thought leader in balloon blow molding will be clearly exemplified in his state-of-the-art equipment offering to support next-generation interventional balloons well into the 21st century.”

Poba’s SafeCrack Balloon. Source: Poba

Adds Kasprzyk, who was the co-founder of , which makes catheter manufacturing equipment. “Our ability to rapidly test new equipment platforms under rigorous R&D and manufacturing conditions makes Poba Medical an ideal partner.  We are approaching 1,000 unique off-the-shelf balloons that are now available on . Additionally, we just launched a Quick Turn offering with over 125 unique SKUs available to ship in three weeks or less. We look forward to expanding our online offering to further service engineers iterating in product development.”  

In partnership with the medical materials supplier , Lewiston, Maine, the Med-Ex extruder will be used to develop and test innovative materials for balloons and catheter shaft applications. As part of the agreement, Colin Sutherland will represent US Extruders in Europe for the sale of medical extruders and extrusion systems.  We look forward to expanding our online offering to further service engineers iterating in product development.”  

In partnership with the medical materials supplier , Lewiston, Maine, the Med-Ex extruder will be used to develop and test innovative materials for balloons and catheter shaft applications. As part of the agreement, Colin Sutherland will represent US Extruders in Europe for the sale of medical extruders and extrusion systems.