Master Bond EP4G-80Med is a one-part epoxy designed for use in the assembly of medical devices. 

With the host of diverse biomaterials produced by an estimated 6.5 million species on land and 2.2 million species in the oceans, the biomimicry toolkit that man has to play with is, for all practical purposes, limitless. The superior designs discovered in nature have inspired many research programs from around the world, both at the university and commercial levels. The gecko, sandcastle worm, caddisfly, mussel, and sea cucumber are all species that have inspired new chemical approaches to creating adhesives with unique performance features.

3M’s latest medical adhesive, 3M™ Spunlace Extended Wear Adhesive Tape on Liner, 4576, was reportedly developed for extended-wear devices requiring attachment to the skin for up to a 21-day wear time. 

The global market for bio-adhesives reached nearly $2.2 billion in 2021. These bio-based materials find extensive applications across numerous industries, including medical, packaging and paper, construction, wood, and personal care.

Additive manufacturing/3D printing has grown into a $14 billion industry since its inception, according to McKinsey, and the market’s annual growth rate is 22%. Many can agree on the potential 3D printing has when it comes to innovation and being able to create prototypes and items with minimal material use, but its value is extending beyond that original purpose.

Noninvasive glucose monitoring devices are not currently commercially available in the U.S., so people with diabetes must collect blood samples or use sensors embedded under the skin to measure their blood sugar levels. With a new wearable device created by Penn State researchers, however, less-intrusive glucose monitoring could become the norm. 

Medical device design engineers hold in their hands the power to help transform people’s health. They have the ever-important job of designing medical devices that help people monitor, track, and adjust their health for the better. However, some design engineers may be making a mistake that can affect how an entire medical device functions: they could be reducing adhesive selection to an afterthought. This critical decision is too often left until device design is almost complete.

Henkel has introduced three new low-pressure molding (LPM) materials designed to seal and protect medical devices from moisture, temperature extremes, chemicals, vibration, impact, and other environmental concerns.

Today’s manufacturers have unrestrained access when it comes to bonding solutions. Pressure-sensitive tapes and labels have grown as a viable option, but why are these solutions important?