Medical Device Link.

Originally Published PMPN June 2002

PRODUCT UPDATE

A variety of high-barrier films offer protection and safety.

CompuCal Excel 21440
A matte topcoated polyester label film is printable via wax, resin, and wax/resin thermal-transfer, laser, impact, and electron beam as well as conventional and UV ink systems. The film is coated with an aggressive, high-shear, high-peel permanent adhesive that resists cold flow and bonds well to a range of surfaces. It is backed with a 50-lb bleach Kraft roll form liner suitable for label sensing systems. The film resists smudging, scratching, and chemicals. Flexcon, Spencer, MA; 508/885-8200; www.flexcon.com.

VapoShield
A company offers a moisture-resistant, clear thermoformable barrier film for the pharmaceutical industry. This flexible, transparent PCTFE is chemically stable, nonsticking, nonyellowing, and nonaging. It has low moisture vapor and oxygen permeability, and it is resistant to acids, oils, and solvents. It is also inert. The firm purchases PCTFE from two different and independent sources to ensure that orders are met without delay or risk to supply. Tekni-Plex Inc., Somerville, NJ; 908/722-4800; info@teknifilms.com.

Integra Form NCW
A nylon-based multilayer film features the high-performance attributes of nylon for high-impact strength and abrasion resistance. The wide forming range of Integra Form NCW allows consistent performance on a variety of form-fill-seal equipment. It also seals well to any heat-seal–coated material and is suitable for EtO, gamma, and E-beam sterilization. Rexam Medical Packaging, Mundelein, IL; 847/362-9000; www.rexam.com/flexibles.

Perlalux-Generex
A blister film has been designed for the generics market. The traditional PVdC Duplex coating was replaced with a new PVdC coating. Physical properties include low coefficient of friction due to high crystallinity, and impact and heat resistance. Compared with mono PVC, Generex allows for longer material storage and extended product shelf life. Perlen Converting AG, Kennett Square, PA; 610/925-5101; www.perlen.ch.

Pentapharm Aclar S03
A company introduces a film for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Pentapharm Aclar S03 films (PVC/ Aclar/PVC) thermoform in the same temperature range as does PVC mono film, and the PVC skins offer a low coefficient of friction, preventing blocking on preheat plates and offering more-consistent material flow during thermoforming. These films run on standard PVC tooling and are sealable to all standard vinyl-compatible lid stocks. They are also symmetrical and are ultrasonically sealable to vinyl face-seal cards without coatings. Klöckner Pentaplast of America Inc., Gordonsville, VA; 540/832-3600; www.klockner.com.

Custom Films
Durable heat- and water-resistant films meet specific barrier properties for applications including bags for medical instruments, catheter tubing, and biohazard materials; sterilization pouches; and peel-away lidding for medical rigid packaging. The company's eight-color printing presses and the use of specialized color-change inks provide sterilization indication features on bags used in autoclaves and EtO sterilizers. Plassein International, New York, NY; 860/429-5070, ext. 16; www.plassein.com.

Copyright ©2002 Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging News