Intertronics launches new autoclave resistant adhesive

Adhesives supplier Intertronics now offers Dymax MD 1040-M, a new versatile autoclave resistant medical device adhesive, coating, and encapsulant. 

Resistant to numerous cycles of sterilisation, 1040-M is suitable for consideration in a range of medical devices and surgical tools. This light curable material cures in seconds on exposure to UV light, and contains no solvents, to deliver a faster, safer assembly process.

Dymax MD 1040-M is a durable material designed to be autoclave resistant for more than 100 cycles, offer excellent protection against STERRAD plasma sterilisation, and be resistant to traditional sterilisation options like ethylene oxide, E-beam, or gamma. It offers extremely low water absorption (0.5%). It meets the requirements for ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity and is formulated without IBOA (a known skin irritant).

The material is recommended in applications including the bonding and protection of radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips and sensors on surgical and dental tools, housing assemblies, and single or multiple use medical devices. The use of RFID chips can provide real-time location information on surgical equipment and endoscopes for managing and auditing these devices. Dymax 1040-M can be used for the protection of medical sensors, and the encapsulation and potting of electronic components. There are further applications in medical scopes and dental equipment.

Ben Swanson, sales manager of Intertronics, said: “The introduction of a light curable material that can be autoclaved represents a big step forward for medical product manufacturers. Rather than using a two-part epoxy, which can take a long time to cure and requires mixing, manufacturers have access to almost instant processing. This delivers productivity and lower costs.”

1040-M bonds a variety of substrates including aluminium, stainless steel, glass, PP, PE and printed circuit boards. The single-component material cures with broad spectrum UV light and is also optimised for 365 nm LED curing. It is a green choice, as it is solvent free, and typically requires less energy to cure than alternative one- and two- part epoxies.

Intertronics supplies a wide range of Dymax light curable materials, alongside the relevant dispense equipment, and supporting UV/LED light-curing systems. Intertronics will help to build a process where all the equipment works seamlessly together, to deliver efficiency and return on investment.