Fluorobond® N Ultra Low Friction, Micron-Thin Pure PTFE Coating

Ultra low-friction FluoroBond® N is a micron-thin, pure PTFE coating for cutting edges. It is a thermally bonded PTFE film that exhibits a tenacious bond to smooth cutting surfaces such as scalpels and blades.

FluoroBond® N has very low surface energy, which reduces cutting force by providing an ultra-low friction coated surface that reduces the coefficient of friction (CofF) to .01.

The optically clear coating creates a surface that is permanently non-stick and is bonded to all types of metals. The lubricated cutting edges simply cut easier than non-lubricated edges. It can be applied with a thickness of .00004″ to .0002″ per surface, with selective application to the device area to optimize device performance.

The excellent release, low friction and micron-thin properties of FluoroBond® N make it an ideal pure PTFE coating for cutting edges such as surgical blades and scalpels, as well as guidewires, hypotubes, probes, needles and similar devices. This ultra-thin film has a high 500°F operating temperature.

For guidewires and hypotubes, the micron-thin film build preserves tight dimensional tolerances while the low 0.01 Coefficient of Friction (CofF) delivers consistent low-friction performance across the coated surface. On needles, probes and other devices, selective application allows coating only the active device area, optimizing lubricity without adding coating buildup to critical dimensions. On blades and scalpels, cuts are faster, smoother and made with less force and friction. .

Key Features and Properties of FluoroBond® N

Pure PTFE micron-thin film
Reduces Coefficient of Friction (CofF) to .01
Thickness of .00004” – .0002” per surface
Excellent adhesion to all metals
Optically clear on smooth surfaces
Operating temperature up to 500°F
Solvent and chemical resistant
Anti-microbial option available (FluoroMed®-AM)
Meets ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity test

Ultra Low Friction FluoroBond® N Medical Device Applications

The following medical device applications can benefit from the reduced surface friction of FluoroBond® N:

Surgical blades
Scalpels
Guidewires
Hypotubes
Probes
Needles
Miniature precision parts

FluoroBond® N Coating Options and Characteristics

Cuts are made smoother, faster, and with less friction
Will not anneal or affect temper of cutting edges
Permanently non-stick and bonded to smooth, ground, or polished metal surfaces
Curing temperatures will not dull nor affect blade sharpness
Selective application area to optimize device performance
Durable and strong; long lasting low-friction blade performance

Fluorobond® N FAQs

How thin is FluoroBond® N, and how does the micron-thin film affect cutting-edge dimensions and tolerances?

FluoroBond® N is an ultra-thin pure PTFE coating with an applied thickness ranging from .00004″ to .0002″ per surface. Because the coating is so thin, it can enhance surface performance without significantly changing critical dimensions. The thin, optically clear film is especially beneficial for precision cutting edges and miniature medical components. This allows device manufacturers to maintain consistent geometries while reducing friction and cutting force, and improving release.

Does the FluoroBond® N application process affect the sharpness or temper of cutting edges?

The FluoroBond® N coating process is designed specifically for precision cutting edges and does not negatively impact blade sharpness or material temper. The curing temperatures will not dull or affect their cutting edges. This makes it well suited for scalpels, surgical blades, needles and other sharp medical instruments requiring smooth, consistent performance.

What coefficient of friction does FluoroBond® N achieve, and how does that improve device performance?

FluoroBond® N reduces the coefficient of friction to .01, creating an extremely low-friction surface. The lubricious pure PTFE coating significantly reduces cutting and puncture force, allowing blades, needles and other devices to move more smoothly through tissue. Lower friction can improve device handling, reduce drag, and support cleaner, faster cuts. The permanently non-stick surface improves release during use for easier clean-up.

Is FluoroBond® N biocompatible and tested to ISO 10993-5 requirements?

FluoroBond® N is biocompatible and tested to ISO 10993-5 by third party labs. The coating is designed for use on medical devices and components where patient safety and comfort, and regulatory compliance are important. Compliance to ISO 10993-5 is the sole responsibility of the design owners.

Can FluoroBond® N be selectively applied to specific areas of a blade, needle, or hypotube?

Yes. FluoroBond® N can be selectively applied only where lubricity or release performance is needed on a component. This targeted application approach allows manufacturers to optimize device functionality without coating unnecessary areas. This selective coating can maintain handling characteristics or secondary assembly requirements.

What substrates and device types is FluoroBond® N compatible with?

FluoroBond® N is compatible with all types of metals and bonds well to smooth, ground, or polished metal surfaces. The coating is commonly used on surgical blades, scalpels, guidewires, hypotubes, probes, needles, and miniature precision parts, and has an operating temperature up to 500°F. Its combination of ultra-low friction, strong adhesion, and non-stick properties makes it effective for a wide range of medical device applications.