Difficult to mix pharmaceuticals and cosmetics?

Our Thinky mixers can give a proven solution to some of the most difficult mixing problems found in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. They will non-invasively mix materials from low viscosity to semi-solid or dry particle with in-situ vacuum degassing.

In the field of pharmaceuticals, Thinky mixers are useful for reagent research and development, the production of suspensions, and for the creation of high-performance materials such as hyaluronic acid. They are also used for the rapid compounding and production of ointments in a mere 30 seconds. Ointments, ointment and powder, cream base materials, gel materials and other compounds can all be compounded within the ointment jar eliminating clearing up processes.

In the manufacturing of cosmetic products, such as foundations, multiple pigments often need to be blended. The amount processed at one time using conventional methods normally had to be 1 kg or more for the mixing to be practical. In addition, the propeller mixers used conventionally took a long time and were unable to create simple cosmetic samples. By contrast, Thinky mixers are very effective for cosmetic colour adjustment and sample-making. The processing amount can be as small as 5 grams, which makes it possible to produce multiple samples with different compound ratios in a very short period of time. The finished products themselves are uniform in consistency and provide a smooth feel and colour for the skin.

Typically Thinky technology is suitable for foundation, lipstick, mascara, skin lotion, whiting cream, lip cream, hand cream, sunscreen cream, antiperspirant, soap, body soap, hand soap, shaving foam, aftershave lotion, shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, hair restorer, hair colour, facial cleansing foam, make-up remover, cleansing oil, cleansing pads, bath salts, air freshener, perfume, fragrance and detergent... amongst others!

A dummy on the small size - 01005 caps and resistors

The 01005 (or metric 0402) measures just 0.1" x 0.05", half the width and half the length of the previous smallest component, the 0201. The placement of 01005s presents challenges in nearly every aspect of the assembly process.
Can you pick up, center and place accurately and reliably? With Practical Dummy 01005 resistors and caps you can refine your process while saving money.

Do you need other sizes? We have them. 0201, 0402, 0503, 0805, 1206, and 1210s. Surface mount electrolytic caps in 3, 4, 5, 6.3, 8 and 10mm. Tantalum Caps, Melf resistors, we've got it all. Have a look at our comprehensive catalogue of Dummy Electronic Components and Mechanical Samples.

FIP Gaskets - Cheaper than you think?

We have just added Technical Bulletin TB2009-14 to our articles page about using benchtop robotics to lay down liquid Form-in-Place gaskets.

Optically clear silicone encapsulants

LED, photovoltaic (PV) and other light sensitive devices require UV stable, non-yellowing encapsulants for protection and improved light transmission. The table below shows a range of addition cure silicones which are temperature and moisture resistant, non-yellowing and UV stable.

Product	Hardness	Viscosity mPas	RI	Mix Ratio
OPT7020	40	4500	1.40	10:1
ACC Q-Sil 218	59	3000	1.40	10:1
ACC Q-Sil 222	59	2200	1.40	10:1
ACC QLE1102	45	1000	1.40	1:1
ACC Q-Gel 300	Gel	1000	1.40	1:1
ACC Q-Gel 301	Gel	2000	1.40	1:1
ACC Q-Gel 310	Gel	1000	1.40	1:1
ACC Q-Gel 311	Gel	1000	1.40	1:1
ACC Q-Gel 900	Gel		1.43	1:1
ACC Q-Gel 910	Gel		1.47	1:1
ACC Q-Gel 920	Gel		1.49	1:1
ACC Q-Gel 92-14-1	Gel	650	1.515	1:1
ACC Q-Gel 92-16-1	Gel	2820	1.539	1:1
ACC Q-Gel 92-18-1	Gel	5690	1.549	1:1

Of special note is ACC Q-Sil 222 which is self bonding to a wide range of substrates without the use of a primer.

These materials are technically well suited to the following applications

• LED potting


• Outdoor signage, displays and lighting


• PV module manufacture


• PV concentrator cell manufacture


• Sealing aviation displays

Check out our range of silicones from ACC and Opti-tec.

Hand-held positive displacement dispensing

The Tridak Stepper Positive Displacement Pipette Dispenser offers contaminate-free dispensing in a simple to operate, hand-held pipette. The Stepper has a light-weight, ergonomic design and is constructed of aluminum for maximum durability. Users can dispense a wide variety of low-to-medium viscosity materials with gentle thumb pressure. This repetitive pipette is available in three sizes: 1ml, 3ml, and 5ml. The Stepper offers positive displacement dispensing in a range from 0.01ml to 1.00ml. Each Stepper pipette can dispense up to 100 shots from one fill. Shots dispensed from the Stepper are consistent from the first to the last shot.

The Stepper pipette utilizes a disposable silicone-free, medical-grade syringe as its fluid reservoir. The pipette is designed so that the fluid reservoir never comes in contact with the operator's hand, preventing adverse heat transfer which could influence the accuracy of the pipette. This design also eliminates fluid contamination because fluids never come in contact with the dispenser's mechanical parts. The Stepper's contaminate-free dispensing makes it an attractive dispenser for many medical and biological applications.

A new electronics assembly network

A mention for an old friend, Jeff Ferry, and his colleagues at Circuitmart.

Circuitmart features industry experts, consultants and entrepreneurs discussing the latest in technology and innovations in electronics manufacturing, and other associated areas. Many of the programs are video-based.

Have a look at their website, and try a subscription to the newsletter.