Selecting Adhesives for Medical Devices
It is nearly impossible to find an example of a medical device that does not incorporate at least one adhesive joining different materials or components. The adhesive provides a critical role–it is literally the glue that holds a device together so it can perform its function.
However, the selection process for an adhesive does not always incorporate the complex demands that are placed on it. This can lead to durability issues and failures.
The selection of an adhesive should consider the substrate materials being bonded, the fabrication process, and should contemplate the total use scenario to ensure that the adhesive is appropriate. The process for selecting an adhesive should involve more than consulting the manufacturer’s product datasheets, which typically provide guidance with general performance data for the material. Although the process typically begins there, the datasheets cannot be expected to be specific for the conditions and adhesive use situation relevant for the current device.
By Jeff Cafmeyer