Fluorescent Adhesives

A fluorescing technology for adhesives used in medical device assembly is designed to optimize the accuracy of bond-line inspection and product verification. Ultra-Red adhesives are naturally clear until exposed to ultraviolet light, at which point, owing to a patented compound, they fluoresce bright red, providing a distinct contrast with many medical device plastics that naturally fluoresce blue, and improving their visibility for inspection purposes. In addition, the red fluorescence does not absorb the same light-energy wavelengths as those used to cure the adhesive; this results in faster and deeper cures than are the case with blue-fluorescing adhesives. Because this red-fluorescing technology is exclusive to the supplier, device manufacturers using the radiation-curable adhesives and coatings incorporating it have a means of product authentication with which to answer future challenges on that ground. The technology is RoHS compliant and does not affect the biocompatibility status of the adhesive. Dymax Europe GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany.

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