TouchMark Blog

Many of FDA’s Unique Device Identification requirements have already phased in. The labels and packages of Class III and Class II medical devices

Textures vary according to their individual depth, the degree of draft on the sidewalls, and the frequency of peaks and valleys for a given surface area. Some textures are more difficult to print successfully than others, and there are certain textures that are simply impossible to cover completely.

Although polymers have suffered through some tough media disparagement as of late (biodegradability issues) it is highly unlikely that these polymers are replaceable for medical device manufacturing. These specialized materials are indispensible for providing low cost but effective vehicles for delivering everything from successful operating techniques to therapeutic medicines.

Medical tubing has evolved to be a complex, sophisticated product combining various materials, technologies and processes

Medical grade inks used to mark medical devices should meet important safety standards. The United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) 30, NF 25, 2007 standard also known as Class VI is widely used to comply with stringent FDA rules for products that come in contact with the human body.

Many medical devices are made from medical grade plastics that typically have low surface energy.  It is often necessary to modify the surface energy in order to guarantee the adhesion of any permanent markings as well as to improve device performance.  By altering the surface properties, critical markings on devices such as catheters adhere better and they can slide and maneuver more easily within the body.

Syringes, catheters, medical tubing – most of the time these medical devices are imprinted with markings that facilitate their use.  Because they come in contact with the human body, both the substrate itself and the ink used to mark it are subject to standards issued by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). 

Pad printing and screen printing are the methods commonly used for marking medical and electronic devices.  Here are the key differences between the two: