sponge filter

RFQ Description

We are seeking a partner to help develop a new product.This is a new concept, so we don€„¢t have image or blue print.I hope I can give you a good understanding of what we want.Firstly the market I am targeting is the €“Harm reduction market€, needle exchange program.This is where the Government supplies syringes and needles free to drug users to reduce the incidence of AIDS/HIV.The drug users also use a €“filter€ to filter their drugs before injecting.Currently they use either a cotton wool ball or cigarette butt as their filter.They do not use a full cotton wool ball or cigarette butt they tear off a small piece and roll it into a small ball.Their current procedure: they mix their drugs in a spoon (some heat this mixture) put the filter into the drugs place the tip of the needle against the filter and draw up their drugs.The problem using the cigarette butts or cotton wool balls neither are true filters also they have a lot of lint.I have been asked by needle exchange units in Australia to find an alternative.The properties I am looking for in the product.1. Lint free.2. Non toxic3. Stable at approx 100€„¢C 4. ideal Pore size between 1 €€œ 10 um5. Hydrophilic and absorbent6. Size we require when wet approx. 4 mm x 4 mm .We would require a dense foam (pore size 1-10 um) but still spongy enough to allow the needle tip to be pushed into the material when wet.Usage: Initially I was asked for this product for Australia but since then I have had enquires from USA , UK,Europe and Russia.The estimated annual use in Australia is 15-20 million units.Price will be a key factor we will need to have the filters individually packed and sterile. But we also need to be competitive with the cotton wool balls/cigarette butts. This is a long term project, I am seeking a company willing to help develop a product and make modifications to suit the users feedback.I hope I have given you enough information to explain what I require.I look forward to hearing back from you.My email is *******@*****.com regardsGraham McNicol