Fluoropolymers are among the most versatile and durable polymers available to medical device manufacturers. However, some of the physical properties that make them attractive for very challenging applications, such as their low coefficient of friction (CoF), also make them difficult to mark. A typical marking application is applying indicators to tubes used in medical procedures. Inks have a difficult time adhering to medical tubing because it is often made from luoropolymers such as PTFE, which have non-stick properties.
For many years, TouchMark has been working with medical device manufacturers to develop techniques for permanently adhering medical grade inks to fluoropolymers. Depending on the application, our engineers use various methods including surface modification, plasma, and curing techniques to create the most optimum ink adhesion for a particular application.