Z-Tip v. Insert Molded Tips

Before the Z-Tip, a popular protective brush tip was the Insert Molded Tip.  Insert Molded Tips are made by placing the end of a twisted wire brush into an injection mold.   Problems with injection molded brush tips include:

• Detachment: The tip can fall off the twisted wire brush, causing scratching, poking and scarring.
• Protrusion: The core wire might protrude through the plastic surface which can also cause scratching, poking and scarring.
• Orientation: The tip orientation can be inconsistent.
• Expense: The manufacturing process is expensive, requiring costly molds and prolonged development time.

The Z-Tip fixes these flaws, because:

• The Z-tip cannot become separated from the brush, because the tip is formed from the wire itself.  The brush and tip is one metallurgic unit.
• It is impossible for the wire to protrude through the tip, because the wire is melted and reformed into the tip.
• Our fully automated inline manufacturing process ensures that the tip is of the same size and orientation every time.
• The Z-Tip is manufactured inline with the manufacturing of the twisted wire brush in an efficient, automated process which keeps the cost down.

Additionally…

• It has a smooth, mirror-like surface.
• Because the brush and tip are one unit, the Z-Tip twisted wire brush is stronger. It won’t unravel and the bristles will not dislodge under force.
• Since the core wire and Z-Tip are the same material, there are no biocompatibility issues.
• The Z-Tip reduces internal inspection time and costs due to its quality and consistency.
• Because it cannot scar, the Z-Tip enhances endoscope sterility by not allowing grooves that trap contaminants.