SPOTLIGHT
Two-component dispenser
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A single-use packaging and applicator system has the mechanical and ergonomic characteristics of a standard single-component dispenser yet is able to mix and apply two-component adhesives, pastes, and other dental and medical materials in clinical applications. Designed to simplify the handling and dispensing of two-component materials, the u-TAH Nano system is compatible with industry-standard dispensers. The system is said to be easier to use than conventional dual-barrel syringes and cartridges, and its single-use nature adds convenience while minimizing the risk of patient-to-patient cross-contamination. Available in a 1-ml size, the applicator works with surgical sealants and adhesives, orthopaedic cements, and other materials. EFD International Inc., Dunstable, Beds, UK
Cyanoacrylates
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Fast-setting cyanoacrylate adhesives eliminate the need for fixturing and are well suited for bonding or repairing plastics, metals, rubber, and other materials in many applications. The adhesives in the comprehensive Permatex ZipGrip line come in viscosities ranging from liquid formulations for close-fitting parts and porous substrates to gap-filling gels that stay in place even on inverted surfaces. Available products include general-purpose adhesives for uses such as rapid, high-strength plastic bonding, O-ring splicing, rubber-to-rubber bonding, rubber-to-metal bonding, and metal-to-metal bonding. The toughened formulations provide enhanced flexibility and a tensile shear strength of 3700 psi. ITW Devcon, Danvers, MA, USA
Matte-finish polyethylene films
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A line of polyethylene-based films for medical device applications has been augmented by the addition of nonglare matte-finish options. The new single-coated Acrysure matte films include the 1.5-mil TM1015 and the 3.0-mil TM1030, both of which are customizable and offer various capabilities to meet specific design requirements. Featuring medical-grade pressure-sensitive adhesive systems, the translucent liquid-barrier films can be used for surgical drapes; their matte finish prevents light glare from interfering with the surgeon’s ability to see during surgery. Their properties of moderate breathability and clean removal from skin make them appropriate for ostomy applications and liquid strike-through protection. The adhesives used with the films have been tested to ISO 10993-5/10 standards for cytotoxicity, skin irritation, and skin sensitization. The adhesives are suitable for sustained skin contact with third-party biocompatibility documentation. Also, they are stable following EtO and gamma sterilization. MACtac Medical Products, Stow, OH, USA
Low-melt-point polyurethane films
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Polyurethane films have been formulated with low melt temperatures to facilitate bonding with other plastic substrates, wound-contact layers, and hydrophilic foams in laminations that serve as wound dressings and ostomy components. Available within the Inspire portfolio, the films offer a smooth, bacterial-barrier outer surface, and their bonding layer requires no additional pressure-sensitive adhesive for assembly. Removing the need for adhesive in a wound dressing eliminates the potential for restricted breathability in the final product. The supplier additionally provides combinations of polyurethane film and adhesive to serve as a backing for wound dressings that must adhere to the patient’s skin. Exopack Advanced Coatings, Wrexham, Clwyd, UK
Laser welding system
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An ergonomically designed and integrated laser welding system includes four high-precision axes that can be controlled manually, by means of a joystick, or through full computer numerical control. As embodied in the StarWeld Select laser system, this concept provides flexibility for welding applications involving medical device components. Able to produce a welding spot less than 100 µm in diameter, this laser is suited for demanding miniature-component assembly applications. A flow-controlled exhaust system with HEPA filters is incorporated into the package, while a closed-loop cooling system enables continuous operation from a standard single-phase supply without requiring external accessories. The system offers users as much automation as they desire with minimum complexity. All parameters are easily adjusted via the multifunction joystick and the large colour touch screen. Rofin/Baasel Lasertechnik, Starnberg, Germany
Flexible assembly adhesive
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Suitable for manual to fully automated medical bonding, potting, and sealing applications, a flexible adhesive cures tack-free in seconds under visible or ultraviolet light. Loctite 3974 light-curing adhesive permanently bonds materials with differing coefficients of thermal expansion and easily accommodates substrate expansion and contraction. The low-modulus, single-component acrylic adhesive can be used on glass, thermoplastic, and metal assemblies that must withstand extreme thermal cycling and environmental exposure. It has a hardness of 70 Shore A and an elongation of 100% that enables its application on flexible components. Tested to ISO 10993, the adhesive can be employed in assembling disposable medical devices. Henkel Loctite Adhesives Ltd., Hemel Hempstead, UK
UV curing systems
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A range of UV curing systems offer a unique durable electrode structure that ensures high stability and a guaranteed minimum operating time of 3000 hours. Offering virtually no arc-point movement, the L9566 and L9588 series of UV spotlight curing systems do not require optical alignment throughout the operating life of the lamp. A built-in condenser reflector is provided to collect the intense UV light from the mercury-xenon lamp into a quartz-fibre light guide or large-area uniform-beam optics, supporting efficient irradiation of the target. Use of low-loss optical systems ensures UV intensity as high as 4500 mW/cm2 at 365 nm. When used for UV adhesive curing, the LC8 allows quick curing of various electronic and optical components in a few seconds. This avoids thermal damage to the target object or to peripheral parts which are vulnerable to heat. Hamamatsu Photonics UK Ltd., Welwyn Garden City, Herts, UK
High-temperature epoxy adhesive
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A two-component epoxy adhesive with high thermal conductivity and good electrical insulation properties cures at room temperature. Supreme 11AOHT has a service operating temperature range of –73° to 204°C and is well suited for applications involving thermal cycling. Bonding well to both similar and dissimilar substrates, including metals, ceramics, glass, and most rubbers and plastics, the toughened compound is a paste that can be applied without sagging or dripping, even on vertical surfaces. Its mixing ratio is a convenient 1:1 by weight or volume. Exhibiting high shear and peel strength (1600 psi and 15 pli, respectively, aluminium to aluminium), the epoxy produces bonds that are resistant to water, oil, and most organic solvents. Master Bond Inc., Hackensack, NJ, USA
