For over 25 years CSMA have provided analytical solutions to the medical device sector.
Primarily concentrating on chemical characterisation, the areas benefiting from the analysis include:
- Coating integrity determination
- Contamination analysis and quantification
- Biocompatibility assessment
- Auditing medical device production
To satisfy a growing industry demand CSMA has now developed a unique range of physical testing and analysis. The medical coating analysis suite includes:
1. Wear Resistance
An automated wear element simulates the effect of component use over time. The computer controlled instrument enables the accurate repeatability of test parameters and provides detailed statistical analysis.
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Examples of Catheter Tubing - One Showing a Wear Scar |
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Wear and Friction Test Equipment |
The extent of wear is determined in terms of overall loss of material. Additionally, the worn surface can be compared with a reference surface in terms of surface topography or surface disruption.
2. Frictional Properties
The frictional properties of the surface are quantified. This can be performed under dry conditions or using a wetting agent defined by the client (water, saline solution, blood simulant etc.
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Friction Test Measurement |
3. Surface Topography
CSMA’s 3DP (3D non contact surface profiling) enables fine detail between alternate coating systems to be compared. In addition to tailored quantified data on surface roughness, surface void volume, etc. 3D images and contour maps of the surface features add to the understanding of the coated product. Large spatial areas can be mapped and depth resolutions on the nm scale are achievable.
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3DP of Microlens Array |
3DP has enabled a detailed understanding of coated products in areas such as: