copper coatings for medical devices

A variety of metals are used in the manufacturing of essential parts for medical devices. Depending on the use of the parts and the use of the device, certain metals are better for manufacturing and coating. It’s vital that the parts within a medical device are made or coated with the right metal or else the device may not function properly.

Over the years, copper has become a very popular metal in the manufacturing and coating of essential medical device parts, such as EMI shielding and RFI shielding. Copper has a range of properties that make it a great option for medical device parts. Here, we’ll discuss the various reasons a manufacturer of medical devices may want to use copper or copper coatings for their parts.

Applications of Copper in Medical Devices

Copper has a variety of characteristics that make it a good option for use in medical devices. Some of the most common reasons copper may be used as a coating or as a base metal for a medical device part include:

Electrical conductivity – Copper has a high level of conductivity. This makes it easy for electrical currents to travel from one point to another within a medical device. This is essential for the proper function of these devices. If an electrical signal cannot be reliably delivered from one part of the device to another, the device could malfunction, causing everything from device damage to injury or death of a patient who relies on the device’s functionality.

Copper wires are a common part of medical devices. Electrical currents can travel along the wires, ensuring the proper function of the device. When a medical professional pushes and button or turns a knob on the device, an electrical signal is sent along the copper wires through the device to produce the desired function.

Antibacterial properties – In the medical field, cleanliness is vital. Even small amounts of bacteria can infect a patient and cause major health complications. Metal coatings that resist bacteria can greatly reduce the number of bacterial infections in a medical setting.

Copper-coated medical devices provide an antibacterial surface. Bacteria that come in contact with copper metal cannot survive for long, breaking down at a cellular level before it can cause an infection. According to the EPA, copper can kill 99.9 percent of bacteria on its surface within 2 hours. Copper tools and medical devices offer an extra layer of protection against illness.

Using copper for the interior or exterior parts of a medical device can make for a safer medical facility for both practitioners and patients.

Rely on Mueller for Copper Coatings and Manufacturing

Mueller has spent years creating essential metal parts and offering functional coatings for the medical device industry. Our parts can be manufactured or coated with a wide range of metals, including copper. When you need copper parts, EMI shieling, or RFI shielding for your medical devices, you can count on us for the entire manufacturing process.

Our team can sit down with you to discuss your specific needs. We’ll learn about your product and determine the best coatings for your parts. Then, we’ll create a prototype part to make sure it works with your device. Once we determine the proper amount of metal and thickness required for the parts, we can coat as many parts as you need.

The functionality of your medical devices is absolutely essential to you, your clients, and their patients. Work with a trustworthy and experienced company to coat your essential device parts with high-grade copper. Speak with us today to schedule a consultation to discuss the functional coatings you need for your products.

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