Originally Published EMDM May/June 2002
PVC adhesive
A UV-curing adhesive is supplied for the bonding of highly plasticized PVC. RiteLok UVXXX is highly flexible and gives strong, durable bonds, even when joining highly plasticized PVC to more-rigid substrates. The clear bondline cures dry to the touch, without leaving any tacky residues. The product is available in a range of viscosities to suit various dispensing techniques. Other products from the company include UV-curing adhesives for bonding stainless-steel cannulae to polypropylene hubs. Chemence Ltd., Corby, Northants, UK.
Assembly adhesives
A low-viscosity UV-cure adhesive that facilitates in-line quality control and a cyanoacrylate bonding agent that increases throughput while eliminating stress cracking are available. The 4L47 adhesive cures instantly when exposed to UV light and is compatible with plastics typically used by device OEMs, such as polycarbonate, PVC, polystyrene, and acrylics, as well as steel. A wicking-grade adhesive, 4L47 can also be used to bond housings and plastic components. Permabond, Eastleigh, Hants, UK.
Low-fume cyanoacrylate
A company's new range of high-temperature adhesives includes high-temperature RTVs, flame-retardant and UL-listed grades, and thermally and electrically conductive adhesives. Also supplied is a new low-fume cyanoacrylate that does not cause blooming on sensitive plastics and has no offensive odour. Typical applications are the bonding of sensitive plastics, PCB components, and medical devices. Intek Adhesives Ltd., Blyth, Northumberland, UK.
Adhesive films and tapes
A specialty company develops and manufactures high-performance films and tapes coated with pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) for use in diagnostic medical applications. The firm provides custom polymerization, adhesive formulation, mixing, and coating, as well as release liner design. Its ARcare pressure-sensitive tape products are supplied in roll form in widths of 6.35 mm to 1.37 m and have application in wound care, electrode manufacture, ostomy and incontinence treatment, and transdermal drug delivery. Adhesives Research Europe Ltd., Dunmow, Essex, UK.
Hydrogel adhesive
Unique in its performance, a breathable adhesive provides exceptional moisture vapour transmission rates (MVTRs), far in excess of the acrylate adhesives traditionally used in wound care. Based on state-of-the-art hydrogel technology, the Inspire 6200 composite enables MVTRs in excess of 2700 g/m2/day to be achieved. By altering the backing material, this rate can be increased to 5000 g/m2/day. Rexam Engineered Films, Wrexham, UK.
Medical adhesives
A company's hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesives for medical applications constitute ecologically and physiologically sound alternatives to solvent-based adhesives. The company is specialized in developing customized products for individual applications in the fields of medical tapes and bandages, elastic bandages, surgical drapes, and medical electrodes. Technical services include coating trials on original materials and optimization of application parameters. Collano AG, Sempach-Station, Switzerland.
Polyurethane adhesive
A resilient, room-temperature-curing, transparent, two-part polyurethane adhesive is supplied for transparent substrate bonding of materials such as polycarbonate, PMMA, and glass. Araldite 2026 is water-clear, and temperature and UV resistant. It is well suited for any application where invisible joints are required or desirable, such as in lenses or medical equipment. Vantico Inc., Basel, Switzerland.
Solvent-free adhesives
A company offers instant, structural, and light-cure adhesives, along with flexible adhesives and sealants. All products are free of solvents and are compatible with most sterilization methods. The adhesives can be applied manually or automatically. Product choice depends on substrate, joint gap, sterilization, durability required, production constraints, and component flexibility. The company offers more than 35 adhesives and sealants to medical device manufacturers. Loctite European Group, Garching-Hochbruck, Germany.
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