The Rise of Smart Wearables

The wearable technology market is one of the fastest growing global industries. Intelligent watches allow you to read emails without checking a mobile phone display, while fitness monitoring bands keep track of the steps walked and the calories burned, seamlessly connecting with a smartphone app.

Smart wearables are not just an extension of smart devices. They are marketed as an invaluable extension of oneself in ways that a smartphone alone cannot do. 

Smart wearables are a key component of the rapidly expanding web that is the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT is hyped for its ability to improve our health, lifestyle, finances, and many other areas. 

The Healthcare Sector: 

The healthcare sector has identified the potential of using smart wearables to take pre-emptive action. The cost of healthcare in the US is mounting every day and, but it is predicted that mass use of wearable technology can mitigate these increases. Wearable watches can allow people to monitor their key health metrics and give healthcare providers remote access to health data, leading to reduced doctor and emergency room visits and better health outcomes. 

Smart wearables geared towards the healthcare sector are set to grow at an annualized rate of 13.6%. Venture capitalists are betting their money on this hot niche, pouring in $2.1 billion over the last three years. 

From parameters like heartbeat and breathing rate to ECG, EEG, EMG, blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring, a great deal is possible, leading to more accurate and timely diagnosis. 

Mark 10’s Contribution to Smart Wearables: 

Smart wearables, like mobile phones, are designed with relatively simple interfaces and ease of use, masking the massive amount of engineering required to develop them. From the materials sourced for the housing and strap, to the torsion- and impact-resistance of the case, to the touchscreen itself, proper testing by device manufacturers is essential in ensuring a successful product.  

Mark-10 equipment can characterize the quality of the strap by measuring tensile and elongation properties, measure the force required to activate the touchscreen, and measure how much force is required to shatter the glass. With a legacy that spans almost 40 years, turn to Mark-10 for testing solutions in the packaging, food and beverage, healthcare, electronics, springs, aerospace, and many other industries. Contact us for more information.

The Benefits of the Medical Device Tax Suspension

In 2013 the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was enacted. Part of the legislation called for a 2.3% tax on sales of medical devices in the US, by both domestic manufacturers and importers.  Since the implementation of the tax, it has not produced the expected revenue.

Originally it was expected that $30 billion would be raised from the tax due to increasing number of Americans covered by health insurance and, therefore, receiving medical treatment. However, that number came up short. During its first year it only raised 60% of those estimated taxes.

The tax ended up being costly to small businesses, resulting in layoffs, cutting of research and development projects, and ultimately delaying some expansion plans. The additional tax disproportionately affected small and medium sized business, who already struggled under the growing industry regulatory structure.

Realizing the strain this tax was causing on small medical device manufacturers, on December 18, 2015, the Consolidated Appropriations Act was signed. This act began a two year moratorium on the medical device tax, starting January 1, 2016 and expiring December 31, 2017. Researchers have noted that the suspension of the tax will positively impact the medical device market in the US. The money that would have been spent taxes can now be invested in human resources, research and development, manufacturing expansion, and other areas.  This positive reaction from industry leaders and government officials may lead to a permanent repeal of the tax once the suspension period ends. 

Regardless of the political environment, at Mark-10 we are committed to offering measurement solutions to the medical device and many other industries, such as force and torque gauges, and tension and compression testing systems. Our products help to ensure that manufactured medical devices meet performance and quality standards, with the ultimate goal of maximizing patient safety and outcomes.  Mark-10 will continue to work with medical device manufacturers to develop solutions that best meet manufacturing and quality control objectives. 

A Recap of Common Force and Torque Measurement Applications

Force and torque measurement systems are used to assess and ensure product quality in almost every industry.  At Mark-10 we engineer and manufacture a variety of force and torque measurement products that are used for a range of applications in these industries. We’re focused on engineering and innovation, and keep a pulse on the market, designing products that fit the needs of these industries.

Below are some examples of the applications our products are used for:

Series TT01 Cap Torque Tester

• Aerospace: Applications from bearing torque testing to bend strength of materials to seatbelt release force are important in quantifying the performance of these components and materials. When the ultimate goal is a safe aircraft, the important of such testing cannot be understated. Our force and torque measurement systems produce the measurements aircraft manufacturers and their suppliers use to be confident in the performance of their products.
• Automotive:  In the automotive industry, vehicle components must work together in harmony, with the ultimate goal of driver and passenger safety. Our Spring Testers can measure force, torque, and deflection to address the numerous types of springs employed in automobiles. Other important applications include ignition switch torque measurement, rotary dial torque, and many others.
• Food and Beverage: Freshness is very important in the food and beverage industry.  Containers must be sealed well enough to keep the food or liquid product inside fresh, but easy enough to open by the user.  Torque testers such as our Series TT01 Cap Torque Testers determine the removal torque necessary for threaded bottle caps, helping packaging lines ensure a balance between ease of opening and preservation of contents.   
• Medical Device and Pharmaceutical:  In an industry where force and torque data can have an impact on the wellbeing of a patient, it’s important to take testing very seriously. From measuring tablet crush force to syringe plunger force, the measurements from force and torque testing can be instrumental in determining whether the medical device is suitable for use.  An example is our ISO 7886-1 Syringe Compression Fixture, which helps ensure that the plunger produces an appropriate amount of resistance during use. 

At Mark-10 we’ve been serving the above industries and many others with our range of products since 1979.  We are continually developing new solutions to meet our customers’ exacting standards. Contact us to learn more about the products we offer to meet your specific force and torque measurement needs.  

New FDA Proposal to Expedite Approval Process for Medical Devices

At Mark-10 we’re always closely watching medical device trends and recently the FDA has proposed a new program to help speed up the approval process for devices that treat or diagnose patients with serious conditions whose needs aren’t met by current technology.

The new program would have more interactive engagement with FDA staff and unlike other existing programs, this one focuses on reducing the time associated with product development and not just reducing the time to market.

According to the FDA, to be eligible for participation, a medical device must:

“Be intended to treat or diagnose a life-threatening or irreversibly-debilitation disease or condition, represent one of the following:

1.       No approved alternative treatment/diagnostic exists, or

2.       A breakthrough technology that provides a clinically meaningful advantage over existing technology, or

3.       Offers a significant, clinically meaningful advantage over existing approved alternatives, or

4.       Availability is in the patient’s best interest

And have an acceptable data development plan that has been approved by the FDA.”

At Mark-10, we’re happy to play a helping role for medical device manufacturers to meet their quality objectives. Our line of force and torque measurement systems may be used for numerous applications, including fastener torque, needle sharpness, catheter torque, tube terminal pull tests, peel testing, tensile testing, and more. Visit our website to learn more.