C2G Receives ISO 13485
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FAQs
Why bother to coat?
- Performance and appearance improvements
- Bulk modification may be too expensive or additives may diminish bulk properties/integrity
- Materials are only required at the surface for attributes such as slip, therapy delivery, color, etc.
What are the advantages of water-based coatings?
Does not require high temperatures, which could affect proteins or other heat-sensitive bioactive additives or substrates.
Flammability/Carcinogenicity
Usually not an issue with water-based coatings, which means that they are typically given lower plant insurance rates and are not combustible or have a flash point.
Low/No Odor
Workers love the low odor compared to conventional solvent coatings.
Worker Safety
Water-based coatings are less hazardous to employee health and easier to handle and clean-up.
Energy Requirements
The specific heat of water is higher than most solvents customarily used, but the water will not require the ventilation for cleanrooms required with conventional solvents. This reduces the need for clean, heated/ air-conditioned (humidified) makeup air and the associated costs.
What are the specific advantages over UV coatings?
- Line-of-site cure is not an issue.
- Expensive calibration and validation of equipment for curing is not an issue.
- Oxygen inhibition and surface tackiness not an issue.
What are the specific advantages over solvent-based coatings?
- Workers appreciate the low odor and easy water wash-up of equipment.
- Easy Disposal—Please consult local and state regulations, but a dry-out/cure will usually allow placement in the trash, as is practiced with latex paints.
- Surface acceptability—No stress crazing on solvent sensitive plastics, such as polycarbonate, acrylic, polyester, urethane, etc.
- Insurance—Because these are non-flammable or non-carcinogenic solvents, lower insurance and facilities costs result.
How do I decide which coating to order?
If there is no category on our “Products” listing to accommodate your requirements, please contact us. We are able to make these coatings harder or softer, more resilient or less flexible by varying the resins we select.
How do I mix my coating?
More detailed instructions may be found under the Instructions for Use tab.
How do I apply my mixed coating?
Instructions for Use tab will explain in greater detail.
How do I decide how much coating to order?
If you are doing a rough evaluation of coating utility and can flow coat from an eyedropper or dip the device into (or pull it through) the coating, then the smaller amounts should suffice. You can always order more or in larger quantities. Making the most of the coating can be a continuous improvement project. Consider the pot life of the mixed coating and geometries of the devices to be coated when deciding on mix quantities. The hydrophilic coating with the Crosslinker B added has limited shelf life, and quantities should be optimized early in the development cycle.
If you have a current reservoir that needs filling, we can discuss larger quantities than what is listed on the forms for a better economy of scale. Redesign of the coating process and tanks may be a good option, since pot life should be considered in the process design.
What if the coating will not wet, beads up, or does not stick?
If solvent addition does not develop the adhesion, primers and/or corona and plasma are very effective. These methods often produce functional groups at the surface, which can covalently link with the topcoat. Covalent bonding will provide a more robust adhesion and durability.
How do I sterilize my coated device?
The hydrophilic polymer is susceptible to H-abstraction and subsequent addition polymerization, so care should be taken if you are considering E-beam or other high-energy methods.
Typical chemical sterilants and autoclaving are not suggested methods for achieving sterility, but short heat cures may be tolerated.
Experiment with your device and method.
Note: If you are experiencing problems with the application of these products, please contact us for coaching, or consider utilizing our engineering services to prepare initial samples for your evaluation.
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