TOP 11 Reasons to Change Your Silicone Cable to Northwire's

Second Generation BioCompatic USP Class VI Alternative

Northwire's softer durometer BioCompatic II meets customer requests for a velvet-like,
silicone alternative cable.
Osceola, WI, USA (February 10, 2016) -- Cable engineering company, Northwire, Inc., (NWI),
in collaboration with precision cable connector leader LEMO is pleased to launch the second
generation BioCompatic II for extreme engineering and cable assembly applications ranging
from health care to industrial. A cost-effective upgrade to silicone - and a USP Class VI
alternative - was engineered by Northwire specifically to create a softer durometer, eliminate the
traditional curing processes, and add many other improvements including robust resistance to
chemicals, cuts, and abrasion.

Following the popularity of the inaugural Underwater Connectivity white paper, Northwire and
LEMO will continue their collective efforts to bring value to cable and wire, connector, and OEM
customers focused on the enhancements of utilizing a silicone alternative. These advantages
include USP Class VI interpretation, benefits of rapid R&D deployment, time-lapsed
photography of autoclave tests in-process, and the compatibility of LEMO's series of medical
Push-Pull connector.
No. 11. VELVET-LIKE CABLE MEETS CUSTOMER REQUESTS FOR A SOFTER SOLUTION!
Just in time for the Valentine's holiday, Northwire's R&D Cable Engineers present the softest
durometer ever released to the market with BioCompatic II. Experience the velvety feeling firstperson at the Medical Design and Manufacturing health care focused event within the Pacific
Design and Manufacturing mega-tradeshow in Anaheim, California. The Northwire Team will be
on-site featuring BioCompatic II, solving engineering challenges, and presenting wire and cable

interconnectivity solutions. Over-mold and REDEL Series compatible (REDEL connectors

ensure a reliable connection by using a Push-Pull latching system), BioCompatic II optimizes
end-user experience by reducing cable tackiness and ensuring the smoothest device for patient
and practitioner interaction.
No. 10. QUEST FOR THE HOLY GRAIL ACHIEVED!
R&D Engineers channeled the collective voices of valued Northwire customers and market
demands to achieve optimal biocompatibility in the USP Class VI, ISO 10993-5, REACH and
RoHS2 compliant custom cable silicone alternative. (Need more Subject Matter Expertise on
USP Class VI? Then check out the BioCompatic white paper for a feature article navigating the
complexities of compliance.) Phthalate and halogen free, BioCompatic is ideally suited for life
science applications in diagnostics, patient monitoring, surgical devices, and beyond. In addition
to passing a battery of tests not limited to the studies of cytotoxicity, systemic toxicity,
intracutaneous, muscle implantation, and more, Northwire's BioCompatic is very flexible,
durable, soft, and smooth.
No. 9. FEELING THE NEED FOR SPEED?
Northwire's custom Design-to-Ship in 5 Days or Fewer services ensure rapid technological
development. Conversely, lead times from silicone OEMs is typically 8 to 12 weeks! To make
matters worse, traditional silicone cable manufacturers may employ additional equipment and a
time consuming curing catalyst process known as "parylene coating" to the outer-jacket of
silicone wire products. Often times, this coating may be subject to reoccurring 'recoating'
requirements. With standard lead times of 5, 10, and 15 days, Northwire's rapid technology
deployment enables quick and cost-effective products to support time-sensitive product
launches. Northwire offers free samples, rapid prototyping, and 3D printing to reduce time to
market and support field-testing. (Want to increase speed to market? Read more about the
benefits of Northwire's rapid R&D deployment in the white paper.)
No. 8. NEW FAVORITE WORDS: T-O-R-Q-U-E-A-B-I-L-I-T-Y & R-E-T-R-A-C-T-A-B-L-E
The immutable laws of physics dictate that two rotations forced at the same time create a new
axis of rotation as a result of the resistance. This "rotational motion" can change orientations
and generate wobbling and precession phenomena - ultimately headaches for the end-user.
Think of a surgeon repetitively torqueing on a surgical medical device. Imagine the traditional
silicone cable twisting until it resembles a tangled mess, leading to frustration and even
interference with the operator. To solve this legacy problem, Northwire designed and engineered
BioCompatic to optimize the torque-ability and retractable cable capabilities. Torque-free
features and retractable coil cords enable the end-users' repetitive motion without resistance eliminating negative side effects. High flex cable life is another hallmark of BioCompatic,
optimizing flexibility in a variety of motions including torsional, rolling, variable, bend, and
continuous flex. (Infographics in the BioCompatic white paper will illustrate the variety of flex test
options available.)
No. 7. RED [HOT] CARPET ACCESS TO DIVERSE MARKETS
Ideally suited for extreme engineering applications in life sciences, industrial, energy, aerospace
and defense, Northwire designs and manufactures BioCompatic to ensure valued customers'
competitive advantage in the global economy. Featuring signal, control, power, and

instrumentation, BioCompatic is ideally suited for hybrid fiber optic applications, too. Thermal
stability is enabled by the thermoplastic alternative leveraged in Northwire's silicone alternative.
Offering a conductor count of 2 or more, the AWG range is 36 - 2 (.0127-33.6 mm2). Cost
competitive cable types are available for wide range of stranding, outer diameter, fillers,
shielding, armoring, wraps, and strength members. Custom colors, private labels, and anticounterfeiting technology - ranging from overt to covert - protects valuable intellectual property
and ensures 100% lot traceability everywhere in the world. (Review the white paper for a
convenient field-guide summarizing the features, attributes, flexibility standards, agency,
environmental compliance, and more.)
No. 6. VIVA LA [CHEMICAL] RESISTANCE!
Operating in extreme conditions requires extreme cable testing. Northwire's R&D Engineers
submitted BioCompatic to a battery of tests including Chemical Resistance to the TOP 8
Hospital Disinfectants and Concentrate. While typical exposures do not exceed 10 minutes of
exposure, Northwire R&D Engineers increased the challenge by immersing BioCompatic for 24
hours to demonstrate robust effectiveness and the resistance of the high-reliability materials
against the following harsh agents:
Betadine
Clorox Healthcare Bleach
Cidex OPA
Isopropyl Alcohol, IPA
Virex II 256
Hydrochloric Acid, HCI
Metricide 30
EmPower
No. 5. PERFORMANCE ENHANCED [CUSTOM CABLES]
What happens to the traditional silicone cable when a 200 pound medical gurney rolls over it?
Tests prove that it fails in less than 9,300 cycles. Meanwhile, Northwire's performance enhanced
BioCompatic II silicone alternative exceeded over 90,400 cycles! With superior tear strength and
resistance to chemicals, cut and abrasion, Northwire's newest custom cable solution boasts a
brittle point of -80C and a high-temperature rating of 105C. Electrical, ergonomic, and
environmental extremes present themselves in many forms, ranging from gurneys to mice.
(Learn more about the benefits of Northwire's anti-rodent additive in the white paper.)
No. 4. PATHOGEN PROOF
Sterilization refers to any process that removes nasty transmissible agents like bacteria, viruses,
and more. Compared to the competition, Northwire's silicone alternative, BioCompatic II,
retained about 100% of tensile strength and elongation when subject to over 500 steam
autoclave cycles and demonstrated 50% longer color clarity over the leading brand of silicone
cable alternative. Moreover, BioCompatic is ideally suited for Gamma and Ethylene Oxide
(commonly known as ETO) and hydrogen peroxide sterilization cycles and demonstrates fungal
resistance. (Check out the white paper for the time-lapsed photography of the tests performed.)
No. 3. UNIVERSAL LANGUAGES

As with most complex subjects, communication is key, and especially profound in the gathering
and dissemination of critical-to-quality requirements and Quality Management Systems.
Northwire speaks the universal languages of Project Management, Lean, Six Sigma, ISO and
ASQ. Rely on a common tool set of professionally certified Project Managers, leveraging shared
templates, formulas, processes and procedures to ensure requirements are translated into exact
product specifications. With certifications in ISO 13485, ISO 9001 and AS9100 and compliance
to ISO 17025, Northwire offers a comprehensive suite of quality proficiencies and
complimentary contract engineering services, including test and development, R&D, NPD and
more.
No. 2. A UNION BUILT FOR YOU: NORTHWIRE + LEMO = STRATEGIC SUPPLIER
The partnership between Northwire and LEMO offers you a one-stop-shop suite of highreliability cable and connector solutions. The originator of the Push-Pull Precision Connectors,
LEMO's world-wide footprint offers a local resource in 80 countries around the world. LEMO
offers more than 100,000 combinations of solutions that continue to advance; its precision suite
of medical connectors is manufactured by their subsidiary, REDEL. REDEL's self-locking plastic
circular connectors for medical applications include: REDEL 1P series, SP02 connector,
single-use and reusable connectors, ECG wire connector, IP68 connector and many others; all
of which boast extensive autoclave capabilities. (Check out the full suite of LEMO connectors at
http://www.lemo.com and learn more about REDEL connectors highlighted in the white paper
featuring the new REDEL SP connector, a revolutionary patented solution latching systems that
offers many benefits to customers.)
The winning combination of LEMO, REDEL, and Northwire allows you to centralize your custom
cable, connector, and cable assembly. Engage in the healthy exercise of rationalizing your
supply base with one strategic partner to design and manufacture innovative solutions for
custom and standard cables, connectors, and cable assemblies. By identifying your critical
needs and awarding spending to a smaller number of strategic suppliers with the most to offer,
you have removed a super-sized amount of complexity. Combined to complement market
demands for vertically-integrated requirements, Northwire and LEMO offer wide depth and
breadth of services and solutions.
No. 1. COST
Traditional silicone applications require curing which adds cost and negatively impacts lead time
to production. Northwire's BioCompatic silicone alternative eliminates the extra stage of
production and the associated equipment and curing catalysts. When traditional silicone OEM
lead time is 8 to 12 weeks, it often requires an investment in inventory sitting on the shelf, tying
up cash flow. Relieve inventory demands and direct cash flow to better use by leveraging 5, 10,
and 15 day lead times from Northwire. Flex the power of your purchasing strength with
Northwire and LEMO collectively, work with a leaner supply chain, realize cost avoidance and
start enjoying cost savings, increase productivity and on-time delivery.
Spoiler alert for customers already requesting a BioCompatic III. R&D Engineers are working on
the third generation. The market can anticipate the features and benefits of versions I and II with
the additional option of a harder cable jacket. From achieving the Holy Grail of approvals to
vertically-integrated solutions from Northwire and LEMO to cost savings, BioCompatic is highlyanticipated in a marketplace ready to avoid the price of silicone and long lead times. Schedule a
joint 'Lunch and Learn' with LEMO and Northwire or contact Northwire for complimentary

representative cable samples. Connect with the Customer Care TEAM at 800.468.1516,
cableinfo@northwire.com, or via live chat.
About LEMO
LEMO is the acknowledged leader in the design and manufacture of precision custom
connection and cable solutions. LEMO's high quality Push-Pull connectors are found in a variety
of challenging application environments including medical, industrial control, test and
measurement, audio-video, and telecommunications.
LEMO has been designing custom connectors for six decades. Offering more than 100,000
combinations of products that continue to grow through tailored, specific designs, LEMO and its
affiliated sister companies REDEL, NORTHWIRE, and COELVER currently serve more than
100,000 customers in over 80 countries around the world. In 2014, LEMO Group acquired
Northwire, Inc.
For more information, visit http://www.lemo.com.
About Northwire
Cable manufacturer Northwire, Inc., celebrating over 43 years of innovation, has corporate
headquarters and manufacturing in Osceola, Wisconsin and engineering and manufacturing in
Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The cable engineering company is the premier partner for the
design, manufacture, and contract services of custom technical products including custom
technical wire and cable, retractable cable, cable assemblies, connectors, harnesses, injection
molding, over-molding, and contract engineering and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
for diverse applications in broadcast, life sciences, energy, MIL-Spec defense, industrial,
machine vision, architectural lighting, underwater, and beyond.
In addition to ISO 13485:2003, ISO 9001:2008, SAE AS9100C:2009 certifications and
qualification to ISO 17025:2005, Northwire is a member of NDIA (National Defense Industrial
Association), NCMA (National Contract Management Association), RIA (Robotics Industries
Association), AIA (Automated Imaging Association), FieldComm (fka Foundation Fieldbus),
ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendors Associations) and WAI (Wire Association International), among
others.
For more information, visit http://www.northwire.com.
Media Contact:
Katina Kravik
Northwire, Inc.
110 Prospect Way
Osceola, Wisconsin 54020
715-294-2121
cableinfo@northwire.com
http://www.northwire.com