For medical device manufacturers, it can be extremely challenging to integrate the sterilization step required for their products into existing factories and manufacturing processes. As a result, the vast majority of products requiring irradiation are contracted to off-site services, and for good reason. Product volume, geometry, density, composition, not to mention radiation licensing and the sheer scale of constructing and operating an irradiation facility, can all be disqualifying factors.

This presentation will put forward a Canadian case study in which several self-shielded irradiators were designed and constructed for a specific product. Highlighted will be the reasons this product and Customer was suitable for this system, and examples of incompatible product will be shown for comparison.

For certain manufacturers with suitable products and volumes, bringing an irradiator in-house can be a game changer. Mevex’s self-shielded e-beam system has a compact footprint that allows it to be retrofitted into the corner of an existing factory floor. An in-situ sterilization step shrinks the supply chain, allows for e-beam energy optimization, and provides total control of the manufacturing process. In addition to the real world example, this presentation will define the range of products and volumes that are optimal candidates for the Mevex compact system.