Pad Printed Peed, Thermoset Polyimide Extrusions

Putnam Plastics introduces pad printed PEEK and thermoset polyimide extrusions for high performance catheter applications.  These pad printed components utilize the company’s internally developed pre-treatment technologies including the application of plasma.

Pad printing is frequently used to print graphics on the exterior surfaces of minimally invasive medical devices. These graphics serve critical functions including product identification, location and orientation during surgical procedures.  “Strong adhesion of the ink to the device component is critical,” explained Byron Flagg, Product Manager – Extrusion and Component Finishing, “Non-invasive vascular devices require integrity of the pad printed graphics for the proper identification and use of the device by clinicians.  Invasive devices require that particles of ink are not released from the device into the bloodstream which can lead to serious side effects or even death.”

PEEK and thermoset polyimide polymers are increasingly being used for minimally invasive applications due to inherent strength and chemical resistance properties.   These same material properties create greater challenges for pad printing.  “Putnam Plastics’ plasma pre-treatment makes the outer surface temporarily receptive to chemical adhesion of the pad printing ink, explained Flagg.  While plasma pre-treatment increases ink adhesion on all plastics, it is of greatest value when used on polymers inherently resistant to thermal and chemical degradation such as PEEK and thermoset polyimide.

When compared to other methods of improving bonding, Putnam’s plasma pre-treatment involves little to no heat transfer into the polymer component, preserving its mechanical dimensions and properties.  It involves no toxic chemicals, generates no toxic by-products, and reduces the need for toxic chemicals such as solvents in the ink, making it medically and environmentally friendly.

“Putnam Plastics’ ability to manufacture PEEK and thermoset polyimide tubing, plasma pre-treat the surface and pad print the required graphics, results in shorter lead times and cost savings from a simplified supply chain,” explained Flagg.  “And, because all of the processes are managed by the same team of experienced manufacturing engineers, they can be optimized and matched for maximum performance.”