Originally Published EMDM October 2005
Spotlight
Adhesives and Related Products
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Double-faced film
A clear, double-faced film is designed for use in medical applications such as bonding microfluidic devices or other disposable test products. Coated with a high-weight, hybrid pressure-sensitive adhesive, the film provides high tack and peel properties. The tape sticks to a number of substrates, including polycarbonate, ABS, and low-energy surfaces such as cyclic olefins, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Available in rollstock, the film is environmentally stable and withstands temperatures from –10° to 120°C. Adhesives Research Inc., Limerick, Ireland.
Double-coated acrylic tape
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A double-coated acrylic adhesive tape system pairs quick-stick properties similar to rubber-based systems with the temperature performance of acrylic systems. The product is capable of substrate-bonding applications involving low-energy surfaces and challenging foams. Developed with a different caliper coating on the exposed side than on the liner side, the tape features typical peel values of 72 oz per inch of width on the exposed side and 64 oz per inch of width on the liner side. The company complies with RoHS requirements and is certified to ISO 9001:2000. Adchem, Riverhead, NY, USA.
Adhesive dispenser
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A dispenser is designed to precisely, repeatably, and quickly deposit UV-cure adhesives on PVC, ABS, and other medical-grade polymers. Custom bushings carefully deposit the adhesive onto the internal or external surfaces of medical tubing and components. A clean dispensing system minimizes environmental contamination and avoids adhesive waste. Tecnoideal S.r.l., Mirandola (MO), Italy.
Converting services
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A company specializing in converting services offers membrane laminations for test strips and lateral-flow devices, die-cutting for microfluidic products, and the automated production of multilayer components. The company routinely converts materials for use in ostomy, wound-care, pulse oximetry, and other medical applications. The firm recently installed a Class 10,000 cleanroom that complies with ISO 9001:2000. ISO 13485 certification is anticipated for 2006. Parafix Tapes & Conversions Ltd., Lancing, W Sussex, UK.
Epoxy resin
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A two-component epoxy resin that has obtained full USP Class VI certification is suited for the assembly of disposable and reusable medical devices. The resin is 100% reactive and does not contain solvents or volatile ingredients. In addition to resisting many sterilants, the product also features electrical insulation characteristics, impact strength, and the retention of pertinent performance properties. The epoxy compound is fit for bonding, sealing, and casting, as well as potting or encapsulating disposable and reusable medical devices. Master Bond, Hackensack, NJ, USA.
UV- and light-cure adhesives
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UV- and light-cure adhesives are suited for use with catheter and syringe assemblies, polycarbonate components, and medical optical parts. The adhesives cure in seconds when exposed to medium-intensity UV or visible light, and are solvent free. Fluorescent
versions are also available to enable in-line quality inspection. Temporary masking resins are offered for processing orthopaedic implants and surgical instruments. The adhesive product lines are USP Class VI and ISO 10993 compliant. Dymax, Frankfurt, Germany.
Medium-viscosity adhesive
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A medium-viscosity adhesive with a Shore D hardness of 80 is suited for the lamination and repair of medical equipment and for use in biomedical assemblies. The product is typically used in the manufacture of catheters, guidewires, stents, hearing aids, and dental products. The adhesive has a pot life of 45 minutes and can be cured in 24 hours at ambient temperatures or more quickly at 65°C. Tra-Con, Bedford, MA, USA.
Light-curable silicones
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A line of products from an adhesives manufacturer features rapid, tack-free curing to a depth of 2 in. upon exposure to UV or high-power visible light. These weather-, temperature-, and moisture-resistant silicones are intended for use in deep potting, encapsulation, environmental protection, and sealing applications. Translucent in appearance, the silicones will not turn yellow or degrade with long-term exposure to light. They are biocompatible and nonconductive. Henkel Loctite European Group, Munich, Germany.
Copyright ©2005 European Medical Device Manufacturer
