December 14, 2009

1 Min Read
Putnam Plastics Introduces PAD Peek and Polyimide Extrusions for Catheter Applications

MATERIALS:  Putnam Plastics introduces pad printed PEEK and thermoset polyimide extrusions for high performance catheter applications. These pad printed components utilize the company’s internally developed pre-treatment technologies including the application of plasma.Pad printing is frequently used to print graphics on the exterior surfaces of minimally invasive medical devices. These graphics serve critical functions including product identification, location and orientation during surgical procedures.

PEEK and thermoset polyimide polymers are increasingly being used for minimally invasive applications due to inherent strength and chemical resistance properties. These same material properties create greater challenges for pad printing. While plasma pre-treatment increases ink adhesion on all plastics, it is of greatest value when used on polymers inherently resistant to thermal and chemical degradation such as PEEK and thermoset polyimide.

When compared to other methods of improving bonding, Putnam’s plasma pre-treatment involves little to no heat transfer into the polymer component, preserving its mechanical dimensions and properties. It involves no toxic chemicals, generates no toxic by-products, and reduces the need for toxic chemicals such as solvents in the ink, making it medically and environmentally friendly.

- Edited by Liz Taurasi

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