The medical device industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by evolving regulatory requirements around per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Design engineers face mounting pressure to eliminate PTFE-based coatings while maintaining the low-friction, high-release performance critical to catheter manufacturing, surgical instruments, and precision medical components.

Rob Spiegel, Senior Editor of Design News recently interviewed SSG’s Scott Yoder, technical consultant and regional sales manager, for an article highlighting SSG’s ultra-thin, low friction MediSlick™ N2 and N2A coatings and how they’re a game changer for medical device companies seeking a PFAS-free alternative to traditional PTFE coatings.

MediSlick™ N2 and N2A Coatings at a Glance

• Nanometer-thin films eliminate grinding, significantly reducing time and processing costs.
• Lower cure temperatures protect nitinol, plastics, and rubbers from deformation.
• Versatile substrate compatibility enables use across multiple device applications efficiently.

Traditional alternatives often require trade-offs—thicker film builds that compromise dimensional tolerances, aggressive surface preparation that damages delicate substrates, or reduced durability that shortens component life. Surface Solutions Group developed MediSlick N2 and N2A coatings to address these challenges directly. These ultra-thin, PFAS-free coatings deliver PTFE-level performance without the regulatory PFAS concerns or dimensional complications.

With film builds measured in nanometers rather than microns, exceptional substrate adhesion, and superior hardness compared to traditional fluoropolymers, MediSlick™ represents a new generation of medical device coatings engineered for both compliance and performance. The following Q&A explores the technical characteristics, applications, and practical advantages that make MediSlick N2/N2A increasingly essential for medical device manufacturers navigating the post-PFAS landscape.

We caught up with Scott Yoder, technical consultant at Surface Solutions Group, to learn how users are benefiting from these products.

How did Surface Solutions Group first get involved with developing PFAS-free coating solutions?

Scott Yoder: Two to three years ago, we were approached by a large medical device OEM looking to replace their standard PTFE (Teflon) coating. They needed a solution that eliminated PTFE and PFAS, which were coming under increasing regulatory scrutiny, particularly in Europe. They wanted to know if we had capabilities to provide a PFAS-free alternative that could match the performance of traditional coatings.

What solution did you offer, and what made it suitable for their needs?

Yoder: We introduced them to our MediSlick N2 and N2A coatings, which are completely PFAS-free and contain no PTFE. What made these coatings particularly attractive was their extremely thin film application—we can apply it as thin as 1 to 4 microns per surface–companies wouldn’t need to change device dimensions or grind down parts to accommodate the coating, saving significant time and money in processing. The properties are very similar to PTFE in terms of release and lubricity, but with a much stronger covalent bond that adheres better to substrates.

When was MediSlick developed, and why is it gaining attention now?

Yoder: The coating was actually developed several years ago—originally known as FluoroBond® N2 and N2A—well before PFAS regulations became a major concern. We rebranded it as MediSlick™ N2 and N2A to better reflect that it contains no fluoropolymers, which helped design engineers get internal approval more easily. As PFAS regulations have intensified over the past three years, especially in Europe, this coating became increasingly important. Having it already developed and tested meant we could hit the ground running when companies were scrambling for compliant solutions.

Continue reading this article on Design News.

Learn more about SSG’s MediSlick™ N2 and N2A coatings, our other  medical device coatings and the different types of medical devices and components we can apply them to.

Contact us to discuss how SSG can improve the performance and longevity of your medical devices and components.