Charge dissipative coatings enable smaller medical devices with higher operating voltages

A charge dissipative (CD) coating for ceramic parts is supporting the development of increasingly compact medical equipment, according to its makers.

One of the biggest drivers in the medical diagnostic imaging equipment market is the need for smaller and lighter weight x-ray sources. For imaging systems such as Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, technology is shifting towards smaller size and reduced rotating mass. Likewise, the growing popularity of mobile X-ray machines places the emphasis on convenience and manoeuverability.

While the desire among manufacturers is to reduce system size, there is also the demand for improved resolution and imaging performance, which can be achieved by using higher operating voltages. This is where Morgan Advanced Materials says its CD coating can provide benefit. Coating of the ceramic parts facilitates performance at higher voltages. Morgan says it is making significant advancements with its new capability to coat components with a tailor-made Specific Surface Resistance (SSR).

For manufacturers’ development projects, Morgan will supply multiple coated samples, each with varying SSR. Development of a measurement system for SSR on complex ceramic shapes enables better consistency and repeatability that is critical for X-ray source manufacturers, claims the group. Its latest range of coatings use a blend of titanium and chromium oxides that provide semi-conducting layers and suppress the emission of secondary electrons, to meet the future technical requirements of X-ray sources.

Joerg-Uwe Wichert, manager, new business at Morgan’s technical ceramics business said: “Our new capability is designed to support manufacturers to deliver increasingly compact, efficient and patient friendly medical systems. With smaller parts, there is a corresponding need to adjust the blend of CD coatings to maintain the best SSR and charge dissipation performance. That’s why we’ve invested in materials and capacity to ensure that customers will always get the fast track for new products. ”

Morgan’s latest CD coatings will be launched at radiology exhibition RSNA 2017, held 26-30 November in Chicago, USA. Join the team on Booth 2765C for a first glimpse of the work Morgan is doing with CD coatings.