Plasma system helps reduce CoF on medical parts and more

A new addition to Plasmatech's line of low-pressure gas plasma systems is designed to help processors of medical parts reduce tackiness, or drag, of rubber and elastomeric surfaces. Called the AL400-D GAS plasma system, it deposits a lubricious, low-coefficient-of-friction (CoF) coating on bulk medical components. The coating also repels lint and other contaminants on silicone components. Coating thickness is typically under a micron and does not affect the physical or bulk properties of the material.     

The unit makes use of the company's 'Thin-GLYDE' process, a dry, low-temperature and -pressure process whereby a PECVD (plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition) thin-film coating is applied. PECVD film coatings react with a part's surface at an atomic level, and result in excellent adhesion to the base part.

The system is cleanroom compatible and available in a tabletop version or with freestanding enclosure to permit incorporation of its vacuum pump within the system cabinetry. A removable rotating drum mechanism tumbles the components during in situ pre-treatment and coating to ensure batch consistency. The units can be customized to meet a processor's volume requirements.

In addition to equipment, Plasmatech (Erlanger, KY) also offers contract coating services for Thin-GLYDE as well as other PECVD coatings. Conventional plasma treatment and ultra-pure cleaning equipment and services are also available. —[email protected]