Inert, non-toxic and bio-compatible are properties sought after by medical device manufacturers. From intravenous catheters, heating coils, instrumentation plumbing and containment bags, fluoroplastics are a superior and convenient material with which to manufacture medical devices.

The exceptional medical properties of fluoropolymers

Fluoroplastics enjoy exceptional medical properties. Not only are these materials inert and non-stick, fluoropolymers are also pure, non-toxic, bio-compatible and can be sterilised. These unique properties make them ideal for use in medical device, pharmaceutical and cryogenic applications.

In addition, PTFE, FEP and PFA benefit from a range of other unique properties:

• Thermal properties: Very low to high working temperatures from -200°C to +260°C

• Chemical properties: Total resistant to chemicals, acids and solvents

• Mechanical properties: Low friction, non-stick characteristics and tensile strength

• Electrical properties: High electrical resistance and dielectric strength

• Environmental properties: Resistance to weather, UV light and corrosion

 The use of fluoroplastics in medical applications

Fluoropolymers are the perfect material for internal and external life-saving equipment, such as catheters, bio-containment vessels, syringes and sutures. PTFE is particularly useful for medical applications such as catheter tubing or heart patches, as its non-toxic and non-stick characteristics minimise the chances of bacterial build-up and infection.

PTFE is so versatile that it has also established itself as a reputable implant material. When stretched, it creates a material known as ePTFE which can be used to produce a mesh-like structure, which whilst being soft, strong and flexible, is also very porous. When implanted, this allows body-tissue to grow seamlessly into it, making it an excellent material for use in vascular grafts, hernia repair and other reconstructive surgery.

Fluoroplastics are also useful in external medical equipment, including metering pumps and diaphragm pumps. As these are often required to hold chemically harsh fluids, the chemically resistant fluoropolymers PTFE and PVDF are used in their construction.

PTFE, FEP, PFA, PVDF and ETFE are the perfect materials for fluid delivery systems, from storage tanks to vessels, pipes, fittings and accessories. The unique properties of fluoroplastics keep the fluids safe and pure throughout the transfer. Additionally, fluoropolymers are widely used to encapsulate medical instruments, from sensors to handling devices. Encapsulated instruments require inertness, non-stick and sterile properties, and temperature and chemical resistance.

Fluoropolymer products used in medical applications

We work in partnership with numerous universities, research scientists, medical device manufacturers and medical consultants, and produce a vast range of medical fluoroplastic components.

• PTFE tube

• PFA tube

• FEP tube

• Multi-lumen PTFE, FEP and PFA tubes

• Extruded profiles in PTFE, FEP and PFA

• Retractable coils in PTFE, FEP and PFA

• Custom tubing assemblies

• Thermoformed components

• FEP encapsulated sensors

We stock a wide range of metric and imperial PTFE, FEP and PFA tubing made from FDA compliant raw polymers. We can extrude microbore, thin walled tubes and offer USP Class VI raw polymers, both can be extruded and packaged under clean room conditions. These requirements are made to order.

Here at Adtech, we are specialists in delivering innovative fluoropolymer solutions for your technical applications. Find out more about our Medical Fluoroplastics.

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