By Liz White, UT staffApex, North Carolina-Polyzen Inc. has introduced 4-12 inch-wide (10-30.5 cm) polyurethane layflat tubing, as 1-20 mils (25.4-508 µm) thick tubular sleeves. The Apex-based medical parts maker claims to be, "the first medical products OEM supplier to make an investment for smaller dies," in order to produce such narrow-width layflat tubing.This new tubing builds on Polyzen's current layflat tubing lines, previously only available in widths of 12" or more, the firm added. The US manufacturer said the product is intended for use, "as barrier sheath for devices, medical bags or pouches." Benefits of the new tubing include:• cost savings-medical product OEMs only need to seal the top and bottom of each bag or pouch; • flexibility-uses can include hot and cold packs, pouches for storage of fluids, saline and biofluid packs, small bags and blood bags; • colourability for increased aesthetic appeal; • availability-quick deliveries; • strength-the two edge seals are extremely strong; and • convenience-sold in roll form with both edges already sealed. Polyzen sees itself as a leader in PU technology and film welding. The use of polyurethanes or polyolefins enables medical products manufacturers to offer "products without the widely known drawbacks of PVC," Polyzen said. Polyzen, which makes critical and speciality disposable components and devices, was founded 14 years ago by president Tilak Shah, an expert in thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers. TPUs are "breakthrough products," being used more and more widely in medical products as an alternative to PVC and latex, said Polyzen's statement on the new tubing. "
