Minalex Precision Extrusions Play Important Role in COVID-19 Testing Globally

Minalex Corporation is playing a pivotal role in shortening the time needed to process RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 by supplying a component essential for the automation of the workflow.

 

Custom Aluminum Extruder, Minalex, manufactures a component used in PerkinElmer’s JANUS® G3 Primary Sample Reformatter workstation which provides safe and traceable barcode scanning and reformatting of samples for SARS_CoV-2 testing. The JANUS® G3 Primary Sample Reformatter increases lab’s testing throughput globally while reducing human error. WPA Works LLC, a machine shop/production facility based in Addison, Illinois initially prototyped and developed machining processes for pathogen response and antibody testing. It is widely used by research labs, universities, hospitals and other related facilities.

 

Minalex extrudes a part that serves as a piece of rail and plate assembly that slides into the JANUS® G3 Primary Sample Reformatter. The aluminum extrusion must be high-quality and extremely precise so that it can withstand a large amount of movement, chemicals and bodily fluids during operation. Once WPA receives the extrusion, it’s machined for final use in the testing machine and specially coated to help prevent degradation.

 

“Minalex has a long history of providing precise aluminum extrusions with extremely tight tolerances used in many types of medical equipment,” notes founder and CEO Jim Casey. “We’re proud to support the medical community every day, and especially during this unprecedented time.”

 

By significantly ramping up its production, Minalex is doing its part to fight the COVID-19 pandemic by helping eliminate equipment shortages which have been hindering labs abilities to process samples in a timely manner.

 

Prior to the pandemic, WPA purchased roughly 300 extrusions at a time from Minalex, on average, two to three times per year. Since March, WPA has purchased over 7,000 extrusions and currently has another 10,800 on order.

 

ABOUT MINALEX CORPORATION

Minalex Corporation, located in Whitehouse Station, NJ, is a family-owned business founded more than 50 years ago. An industry leader, the company manufactures high tolerance, small profile aluminum extrusions specializing and excelling at producing the most custom solutions. As a full-service organization, it provides finished, high-quality products that conform exactly to customer specifications. Minalex Corporation is a fully AS9100 and ISO9001 certified company with AMS Specs, MIL Spec and QQ Specs.

 

ABOUT WPA WORKS

With a strong footprint in the Aerospace, Defense, Medical, Biotech and Life Science industries, WPA Works LLC designs, manufactures, and aids in the development of high-precision machined components, tooling, fixtures, complex sub-assemblies and specialty machines. From design assistance to first class manufacturing with strong quality management systems.

For additional press information, please contact:

Ilena Della Ventura
Delia Associates
T. 908-534-9044
E. Idellaventura@delianet.com


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Specifications

We extrude and supply aluminum profiles up to 3.500 inches (8.89 cm) in diameter. Our aluminum extrusions can have tolerances as tight as +/- 0.001" on one or more dimensions of an extrusion, depending on the shape.

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Alloys

Minalex alloys are sourced in North America and feature a number of series, including alloy 1100, 3003, 6063, 6463 and 6061.

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Capabilities

Our capabilities include Lbs/Ft <= 1.500, kg/m <= 2.2322; Sections >= 0.003 in, >= 0.076 mm; and circle size, <= 3.500 in. <= 8.890 cm.

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