Hlulani Baloyi, PDTS Engineer- Project Assistant (Advanced Machining), programming the injection moulding machine used to manufacture precision plastic components by injecting molten plastic into specially designed moulds, ensuring accuracy, consistency and high-quality production.

The Product Development Technology Station (PDTS) recently played a significant role in the development and production of a precision surgical instrument known as a bulldog clamp. This medical device is designed to temporarily occlude blood vessels during surgical procedures, enabling surgeons to control blood flow and maintain a clear operating field. Bulldog clamps are widely used in cardiovascular, transplant, and microsurgical procedures where precision and reliability are essential.

This project was undertaken in collaboration with COBA, who served as the client. The engagement demonstrates PDTS’s commitment to supporting industry-led innovation in the healthcare sector by providing product development expertise that bridges the gap between concept and commercialisation.

The bulldog clamp is a sterile, single-use surgical instrument designed to grasp, compress, and support blood vessels and soft tissue during procedures. Its self-retaining jaw mechanism allows for secure vascular clamping while minimising tissue trauma. The device is supplied sterile and ready for use in operating theatres.

The successful development of this product required careful attention to design, functionality, manufacturability, and quality assurance. The engineers at PDTS, from the Advanced Machining and Tooling Unit (AMTU), played a critical role throughout the process by applying their technical expertise in precision manufacturing, tooling development, and process optimisation to ensure that the final product met strict performance and industry standards.

PDTS contributed to the project by supporting the manufacturing stages, ensuring that the final product met performance requirements and industry standards.

The mould design was developed by COBA, while PDTS and the Advanced Machining and Tooling Unit (AMTU) were responsible for the machining of the mould and the injection moulding of the final components. The team manufactured the mould using precision machining processes to ensure dimensional accuracy, proper alignment, and a high-quality surface finish, all of which are critical for consistent and repeatable production.

Once the mould was completed, PDTS carried out the injection moulding process. This involved heating polymer material until it reached a molten state and injecting it under controlled pressure into the mould cavity. The material was then allowed to cool and solidify, taking the exact shape of the mould. After cooling, the mould was opened and the finished components were ejected. This cycle was carefully controlled to ensure consistency, dimensional accuracy, and high-quality surface finish across all produced parts.

All products are manufactured under a quality management system aligned with ISO 13485 certification, ensuring compliance with internationally recognized standards for medical device manufacturing.

This project highlights PDTS’s ability, together with the Advanced Machining and Tooling Unit (AMTU), to support clients such as COBA in transforming innovative ideas into functional, manufacturable medical devices. Through such collaborations, PDTS continues to advance innovation, strengthen local manufacturing capabilities, and deliver technology-driven solutions that contribute to improved healthcare outcomes.

The bulldog clamp has successfully been commercialised, marking a significant milestone in the transition from product development to market-ready medical device production.