Metal coatings have long been a staple of the internal parts of medical devices. The right metal coatings can help any medical device to function properly and last for years. However, it’s important to use the right metal at the right thickness and to ensure that the metal is at the right purity when coating a part.
Metal coatings can be used on EMI shielding, RFI shielding, connectors, wires, and a variety of other internal and external device parts. Specific metals are used for specific reasons, such as adding durability or conductivity. Here, we’ll discuss the most common metals used for functional coatings in the medical device industry.
Metals and Their Uses as Functional Coatings
Many different metals have been utilized by medical device part manufacturers over the years. These are some of the most common metals used for shielding, wires, and other essential medical device parts:
Titanium – A very durable metal, titanium is surprisingly light. This metal doesn’t add much weight to a medical device which can be very helpful, especially for products that doctors will need to hold while in use. Titanium can also be colored with dyes and the color stays in place for years.
Stainless steel – A very hard metal, stainless steel can help to protect the underlying materials from damage. Stainless steel is great for tools that are used for cutting as the metal will stay sturdy through many uses. Stainless steel is a very shiny metal, so many exterior parts may need to include a matte finish.
Copper – This metal provides antibacterial properties, helping to ensure cleanliness when in use. Copper is also a great conductor of electricity, so it is commonly used inside medical devices for delivering currents from one part of a device to another.
Nickel – This corrosion-resistant metal is perfect for coating medical devices and tools that will be exposed to harsh conditions. An electroless process can plate a device part with nickel without weakening the underlying material.
Gold – Another corrosion-resistant metal, gold is a great option for parts that will need to stay undamaged. Typically used for making the exterior of a device look beautiful, gold also provides electrical conductivity for delivering electrical pulses from one area to another.
Silver – Much like copper, silver is known for its antibacterial properties. A silver coating on a device handle, for example, can help reduce the chances of a bacterial infection for the medical professional or the patient. Silver is also a good conductor of electricity.
Work with a Metal Coating Manufacturer You Can Trust
No matter the metal coating you need for your medical device parts, work with a company that has the tools and expertise to coat your parts correctly.
Mueller has spent years working closely with medical device makers to perfect the processes involved in creating functional coatings. Our team has discovered ways to ensure that every part is perfectly coated with an even layer of any metal.
The team at Mueller also understands the importance of thickness when applying a functional coating. We can coat your parts with as thick or as thin of a layer of metal as you need, even down to 1/1000 of a millimeter.
When you work with Mueller for your medical device part coating, we’ll discuss your product and its functionality. Then, we’ll create a prototype coated part and test it to ensure it works with your device. When we know we’ve got the right coating and thickness we’ll go into full production, creating the coated parts you need for your devices.
Don’t take risks with your medical device parts. Ensure that true professionals are coating them evenly and correctly. Talk to us today to discuss your need for medical device part coating services.
