Medical Extrusion Expert

Medical Extrusion Executive Consultant Peter Turk

PicturePeter Turk is a medical extrusion expert.
Peter has over 28 years in the medical device market. His expertise includes Manufacturing Engineering support, Research and development into new and/or improved polymer processing, manufacturing and extrusion production methods, Management of projects related to the development of medical devices and accessories - along with Setup and validation of extrusion and clean room activities. Peter is a Certified Lean Sigma Green Belt.
 
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
 
July 2019 - May 2021
Stryker Neurovascular, Principal Extrusion Engineer
Salt Lake City, Utah   
  • Support transfer of extrusion manufacturing operations to SLC site from California
  • Development of Extrusion program including cost improvement and process improvement programs
  • Validation of new products
  • Supported the development of an internal R&D program.
  • Support organizational/department operations such as NC/CAPAs, pFMEA development, and other miscellaneous production documentation creation and updates
 
August 2017 – April 2019
Medron/Flexan, Manager Extrusion, Technical Services
Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Managed extrusion operation for Flexan
  • Worked with customers and sales on the development of extruded products
  • Developed processes for extrusion of TPU, TPE, PEBA and polyolefin materials and blends
  • Set up and validated 1-inch extrusion line for single and multi-layer extrusions
  • Set up and validated 2½ extrusion line for PVC extrusion
  • Executed all equipment installations, IQ and OQ’s and all supporting manufacturing documentation such as Manufacturing Instructions, Inspection documents and FMEAs
  • Development of braiding program
  • Trained technicians on extrusion processing and inspection techniques
  • Managed department Safety Program
 
May 2015 – June 2017
Merit Medical, Senior Engineer
Houston, Texas 
  • Supported extrusion, material compounding and braiding operations
  • Implemented improvements to extrusion processes and test methods                         
  • Development and implementation of tooling control system
  • Managed NCMR and CAPA program for extrusion department
 
2007 – May 2015
Medtronic Cardiovascular, Principal Extrusion Engineer
Santa Rosa, California          
  • Support the Extrusion Manufacturing Operations for Medtronic’s Cardiovascular Division
  • Implemented process improvements that resulted in savings in excess of $1million annually
  • Supported Lean Sigma program developing and validating new balloon tubing extrusions
  • Implemented Lean programs to improve productivity of extrusion operations
  • Certified Lean Sigma Green Belt. Managed and supported DMAIC projects related to processes
  • Worked with customers on the development and validation of catheter tubing
  • Development of documents, standards and procedures for product manufacturing and test methods
  • Development and implementation of extrusion tooling control system
  • Extrusion system development and implementation
  • Support on the investigation and closure of NCMR’s and CAPA’s
  • Investigations into product performance related issues through use of various polymer analysis techniques
  • Managed Environmental, Health and Safety Programs in Extrusion Manufacturing Department
 
2002 - 2007
Terumo Medical Corporation, Senior Mfg. Development EngineerElkton, MD   
  • Set up extrusion and materials compounding program to manufacture reinforced (braided) tubing for introducers and guiding sheaths
  • Developed, managed and implemented program for continuous improvement of existing processes
  • Development of test methods and protocols for the evaluation of catheter prototype performance
  • Development of new materials and processes for dilators and guiding sheath catheters
  • Investigations into product performance related issues through use of various polymer analysis techniques
  • Development and validation of processes for manufacturing catheters
  • Managed OEM program for the development of catheter sub-assembly for in-house product final assembly Developed all support documentation including specifications and validations
  • Development of Design Control Protocol/Procedure that defined activities necessary to bring product from concept to final approval.  Development of Hazards Analysis procedure

2000 - 2001
Novoste Corporation, Senior Manufacturing Engineer
Norcross, Georgia                      
  • Set up and commissioned new clean room at manufacturing site outside of Glasgow, Scotland
  • Supported development of next generation brachytherapy catheter products
  • Developed and validated new manufacturing processes for catheter assembly
  • Revalidation of sterilization process.
1993 - 2000
Boston Scientific/EP Technologies
San Jose, California                                            
Manager, Cables, Sheaths and Accessories                                                  1998-2000
  • Managed program and cross functional Team from initial product justification to final approval for the design and manufacturing of Introducing Sheaths to support EP catheter delivery
  • Managed cable accessory program. Developed an offshore program with a contract manufacturer that resulted in an annual savings of over $1 million, or 30% cost savings·Managed program for Pericardioscentesis Kit. Resulted in 20% savings through the use of new vendors and the design and development of in-house capability to manufacture drainage catheters 
Extrusion and Process Manager                                                                       1993-1998
  • Set up extrusion department and developed extrusion capabilities
  • Managed Extrusion Department supporting production and research and development programs
  • Validated OEM vendors to support supply of accessories (cable assemblies and introducing sheaths)
  • Supported design and development of next generation electrophysiology catheters
·Set up and validated extrusion and braiding operations at EPT
  • Developed new braided tubing for electrophysiology catheters
  • Member of Polymer Processing and Science Council
  • Development of resin lot specifications based on polymer analysis techniques such as rheological characterization

EDUCATION
  • California State University, Chico, Bachelor of Sciences, Industrial Technology

SPECIAL COURSES
  • Lean Sigma Green Belt
  • Advanced Extrusion
  • Rheology
  • SolidWorks Basics
  • Radiation Dosimetry
  • Management Communications
  • ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification
  • Dale Carnegie Presentation Skill
  • Insight Out Medical Devices Training
  • MERT and CERT Training

AFFLIATIONS
  • Society of Plastics Engineers, Past President, Baltimore-Washington Section
  • Society of Plastics Engineers, Past Vice-President, Golden Gate Section
  • Past Member, Manufacturing Technical Advisory Board, California State University, Chico
  • Past President and Board Member support to non-profit organization (Windsor Arts Council)
 
PATENTS, PUBLICATIONS & AWARDS
  • Two patents awarded related to Rapid Exchange catheter design
  • Two patents awarded related to Towed Array Sonar Sensor design
  • Two papers published at SPE ANTECs related to polymer rheology
  • 2010 and 2013 Star of Excellence Awards for cost savings programs at Medtronic
  • Nominated to Stryker STAR reward as part of Production Transfer Team

 
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