Adhesive System Ends Stress Cracking in Catheter Assembly
The manufacturer was dissatisfied with the process used to bond the stainless steel needle halves to lightly tinted polycarbonate wings. A “solvent cocktail,” made by combining a plastic, such as PVC pellets, and adding solvent, to make “glue,” was being used. Formulation inconsistency, stress cracking and toxic solvent fumes were growing concerns.
The solution, Loctite® 3211 medical device adhesive, was specified along with a Loctite® light-cure chamber. The combination proved superior in every way — eliminating stress cracking while reducing rejects due to the solvent cocktail’s inconsistencies.