The medical device industry is rapidly growing and evolving. There are several major trends that drive this growth. They include patient comfort, the need for devices to deliver a broader range of therapy, last longer and treat new conditions.
These trends lead medical device manufactures to constantly develop devices that have a smaller footprint, more accurate internal components and essentially “do more, with less”. This is where Welch helps fill a much-needed gap.
One of Welch’s core competencies is to provide tightly-toleranced, insulative components for medical devices. These components are often formed from ultra-thin, high performance films like Teflon, PEEK & Aurum. These materials have high dielectric strength, melt temperatures and are extremely chemically inert.
So why is this important?
As medical devices get smaller and need to “do-more”, space within the device becomes a premium. Many of the components Welch provides are as thin as .001” and provide complete electrical insulation. They can replace and outperform other traditional methods of insulation such as wrapping with Kapton tape or parylene coatings. Because many of the materials are chemically inert, they can be used in multiple locations within the device including inside and outside of the battery and even handle exposure to battery electrolytes.
An additional advantage is the thermal insulation these plastic components can offer. Often, medical device manufacturing utilizes laser welding. Insulators formed from high temp materials such as PEEK & Aurum can help prevent internal electrical components from being damaged during the welding process.
But wait, there’s more!
Thin one or two piece formed insulators often ease assembly issues and help medical device production lines reduce cycle times when they are installed. Inserting one or two components into an assembly can be significantly quicker than wrapping tape or applying another type of coating. This helps medical device manufacturers reduce production costs and increase output. In addition, scrap is reduced because these components offer more consistent and complete insulation where taping and coatings can fall short.
What’s next?
Welch can help. We partner with our customers to develop custom insulators for their medical devices. We can start with something as simple as a sketch and work with you on material choices and making that component more manufacturable. Before we even provide customers quotes, we perform a full design review on custom components which helps ensure success for both our customers and Welch.
We then work hand and hand with our customers from initial development through qualification and release to production. Welch supports its customers through the entire product life cycle and understands that our success is based upon the success of our customers.
Have more questions?
Please contact the Welch Team at 603-742-0164 or at [email protected].
