Molex (NASDAQ: MOLX) recently introduced its MediSpec Molded Interconnect Device (MID) capabilities utilizing Laser Directed Structuring (LDS) technology for high-density medical applications. The company says the technology is designed to enable development packaged interconnect solutions that meet or exceed stringent medical device guidelines, while providing benefits including reduced components and materials usage, fewer development and production processes, lower prototyping costs and faster time-to-market.
Molex says the combined MID/LDS capabilities help medical device designers integrate complex electrical and mechanical features into highly compact applications, which existing flat 2D technologies cannot accomplish.
“Miniaturization and portability trends are driving medical device developers to create more robust, reliable and affordable electronic devices for the diagnosis and treatment of millions of patients worldwide,” explains Anthony Kalaijakis, strategic medical market manager, Molex. “By combining the versatility of the two-shot molding process for MID with the speed and precision of LDS capabilities, we have created a technology solution that directly addresses current needs in the medical device industry.”
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According to Molex, the MID 3D capability integrates both the electrical and mechanical design into a single molded device, which is ideal for miniaturization and is scalable from small to large volume production quantities. The technology enables numerous design configuration and material combination options, allowing medical device designers the flexibility to select plating and materials especially for the small form factor applications often found in medical devices.
The companion LDS technology is also suitable for miniaturization strategies, featuring circuitry that can be imaged with a 3-axis laser on a variety of RoHS-compliant plastics with pattern modification. Additionally, because developers can create prototypes, the LDS technology allows them to experiment with the placement of traces and shielding by making changes to the laser position without having to invest in expensive tooling changes for greater cost savings, contends the company.
Molex says the MediSpec MID/LDS technology has multiple applications in the medical industry including blood glucose meters, drug delivery systems, home healthcare telemetry, remote patient monitoring systems, disposable catheter interfaces, neurostimulation controllers, pulse oximeter sensors, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices, and Integrated Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) solutions.
