Originally Published EMDM
November 2003
Spotlight
Adhesives and Related Equipment |
Epoxy system
Resistant to repeated sterilization, a one-component epoxy resin system complies with USP Class VI guidelines. The EP3HT Medical nonmix system has an unlimited working life at room temperature and cures quickly at elevated temperatures. It is durable and adheres to many substrates. Typical cure cycles are 20–30 minutes at 220°F with shorter cure times at higher temperatures. EP3HT is serviceable at temperatures up to 400°F. Other features include dimensional stability and resistance to EtO, gamma radiation, autoclaving, and cold sterilants.
Master Bond Inc., Hackensack, NJ, USA.
Adhesive Spacer Tape
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Designed for use with the INRatio blood coagulation meter, an adhesive spacer tape features a die-cut three-channel capillary flow path. ARcare 7841 is a 1-mil clear polyester film, double-coated with the company’s AS-110 acrylic, medical-grade adhesive. The tape is designed into the microfluidic strip for the INRatio meter. The meter uses an electrochemical detection technology to monitor blood clotting time. The tape features good conformability and bonding properties. It offers clean die-cutting capabilities, tight tolerances, and uniform thicknesses.
Adhesives Research Inc., Limerick, Ireland.
UV curing
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A precision UV cure system is suitable for medical applications requiring high UV-A intensity. The Spectrum 60 UV SpotCure can operate at a full 5-W intensity in the 320–390-nm UV-A range. It features a stainless-steel cleanroom-ready construction, premium mercury short arc lamping, full safety interlocks, and automatic timer and shutter controls.
Lesco, Torrance, CA, USA.
Adhesive curing
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A UV spot-curing instrument delivers tack-free curing in less than 5 seconds. The SpotCure device is designed for use with the Loctite 4305 adhesive. Using UV-C light at 400 nm, it can cure heavy amounts of adhesive or clear material that would otherwise absorb UV-A or UV-B wavelengths. The use of UV-C also makes the instrument safer. SpotCure is available in three different configurations. The P model is an ambient-light-controlled rechargeable console. The C model is a compact cordless design with a plug-in battery module, and the B model is a bench-mounted unit with foot- or
hanger-control operation. Kinetic Instruments Inc., Bethel, CT, USA.
Thermally conductive adhesives
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Fast-curing thermally conductive adhesives are suitable for applications that require increased thermal conductivity between assembled parts. The Multi-Cure adhesives cure under the influence of a UV light, heat, or activator in seconds. Room-temperature activator curing of adhesives between two surfaces can be achieved in 30 to 45 seconds. The UV curing option
for fillets and encapsulants provides curing in 10 seconds or less at room temperature.
Dymax Europe, Frankfurt, Germany.
Syringe-assembly Adhesive
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An epoxy adhesive specified for single-use syringes provides a fail-safe bond between the steel cannula and the polypropylene syringe body. It cures at a
low temperature, enabling the device manufacturer to reduce energy costs.
The viscosity and other physical properties of the adhesive can be customized
to suit application needs. The company’s chemists and engineers provide technical support. Testing is conducted to develop adhesives that meet the needs of end-users and the complex demands of medical device manufacture. Permabond, Eastleigh, Hants, UK.
Pressure-sensitive Adhesive Tape
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A single-coated medical-grade adhesive tape is suitable for use with specialized dressings and medical device attachment applications. Bioflex Rx1034P is made of a tan, elasticized woven fabric that is coated on one side with a medical-grade acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive. The product provides excellent adhesion to the skin. It provides good flexibility and conformability, and it is easy to die-cut.
Scapa Medical, Blackburn, Lancs, UK.
Potting Compounds
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Thermally conductive compounds are suitable for sealing electrical components in applications that require heat dissipation. The Syon epoxy formulations are versatile,
mix and pour easily, and cure with minimal air entrapment. Heating the compounds
during the curing process can quicken cure speed. The Syon products are available
in a range of package sizes. Devcon, Danvers, MA, USA.
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