FluoroMed® PTFE Coatings

PERMANENTLY BONDED LOW FRICTION PTFE COATINGS

At SSG, we apply low friction PTFE coatings that are permanently bonded and add low friction properties that are beneficial to your medical devices and components. FluoroMed® coatings are applied using the latest state-of-the-art robotic automated equipment for precise, consistent and repeatable coating application. This equipment that we have designed and built gives you the uniformity in diameter per your print requirements, from the proximal to the distal end of your products. Add to that our ability to precisely measure coating thickness and other important properties using our state-of-the-art measurement and testing devices.

LOW FRICTION MEDICAL COATINGS EXPERTISE

When using any of our low friction medical coatings, you can be confident in knowing your products are in the hands of the most capable, well-trained, and tedious applicators in the industry. Our main priority is to return your products properly coated to meet or exceed your requirements with on time delivery.

BENEFITS OF COATINGS WITH PTFE FOR MEDICAL DEVICES

SSG’s FluoroMed® PTFE coatings are designed to meet the evolving needs of the medical industry by providing unparalleled performance and reliability. FluoroMed® low friction medical coatings offer a combination of excellent low friction, release and durability, making them an ideal choice for medical applications such as guidewires, coils, mandrels, hypotubes, needles and more.

Enhanced Device Performance and Patient Safety

The low friction and non-stick properties of FluoroMed® coatings reduce procedural resistance and improve device control. Our expertise in hydrophobic medical device coatings helps to ensure that your PTFE-coated guidewires, catheters, and other surgical tools deliver precise handling and reduced trauma to biological tissues for enhanced patient safety and improved patient outcomes. The use of SSG’s PTFE for medical devices gives you optimal performance across a wide range of applications.

Antimicrobial Protection and Color Options

In clinical environments, infection control is a top priority. Our FluoroMed® hydrophobic coatings for medical devices can be formulated to include an antimicrobial option, to help reduce the risk of infections in sterile settings. Our FluoroMed®-AM coating technology enhances overall medical device safety and helps to promote improved patient outcomes. This hydrophobic PTFE coating option supports consistent performance in sterile environments while maintaining low friction and non-stick properties.

SSG offers FluoroMed® PTFE coatings in five color options, including clear/natural, green, blue, gray and black, allowing medical device manufacturers to select coatings with their specific design requirements.

Key Features of FluoroMed® Low Friction Coatings

Medical grade FluoroMed® low friction coatings offer biocompatibility along with a low Coefficient of Friction. The properties created by these coatings have spearheaded the next generation of innovative medical devices that include the following benefits:

Tight and Consistent Tolerances – SSG applies FluoroMed® PTFE coatings to a thickness of .0001” to .0003” or .0006”, depending on the formula, adhering to tight tolerances of ± .0001 to .0002”.
Uniform Coverage and Precision Masking – High volume production coating work processed using state-of-the-art automation equipment assuring uniform coating coverage from end to end and part to part.
Ultra Accurate; State-of-the-Art Measurement Devices – Digital and mechanical micrometers, tensile measurement and ISO test protocol equipment. Fully equipped measurement capabilities utilizing Mitutoyo, Laser Mike, Keyence digital, CCD Micrometers with full laboratory calibration. Full certification and traceability to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
In-House Fabrication and Robotics – SSG designs and builds automated robotic application machinery and testing devices for use within our facility.
Rapid Prototype Turnaround – Fully staffed prototype and custom coating department for rapid turnaround of prototype coated parts.
Color Availability – We offer five different PTFE colors – clear/natural, green, blue, gray and black.

PFOA-Free – All of our coatings at SSG are PFOA-Free.
Water-Based – FluoroMed® coatings are water-based.
Acid-Free – SSG also offers acid-free PTFE coatings both in solvent and aqueous base.
Antimicrobial – All of our PTFE coatings have the option of having antimicrobial properties per your request.
Nitinol – Our GlideMed® Low PTFE and No PTFE/PFAS coatings have a low cure temperature of 350°F, with no change in the A(f) properties of Nitinol.
Autoclave Resistant

FluoroMed® PTFE Coatings FAQs

How tight are FluoroMed® coating tolerances, and how repeatable is the process?

FluoroMed® coatings are applied using highly automated robotic coating systems designed to deliver exceptional consistency and repeatability. SSG is able to maintain coating tolerances as tight as ± .0001” to .0002”, depending on the substrate and coating system being used. This level of precision is especially important for medical devices and components with critical dimensional requirements. Consistent coating application also helps support reliable device performance from part to part and lot to lot.

What coating thickness range can FluoroMed® achieve, and how does it affect device design?

FluoroMed® coatings can achieve thickness ranges from approximately .0001” up to .0006”, depending on the formulation and application requirements. This flexibility allows engineers to balance lubricity, release, and durability without significantly affecting tight tolerances or device dimensions. Ultra-thin coating capabilities are particularly valuable for small, intricate medical components where dimensional control is critical. The ability to fine-tune coating thickness also helps support a wide range of device designs and performance needs.

How durable is FluoroMed®, and is it autoclave resistant?

FluoroMed® coatings are engineered for excellent durability, wear resistance, and long-term performance in demanding medical applications. The coatings provide strong release and low-friction properties while maintaining performance through repeated use and handling. FluoroMed® is also resistant to autoclave sterilization processes, making it suitable for reusable medical devices and components exposed to high heat and repeated sterilization cycles. This combination of durability and sterilization resistance helps extend device life and maintain consistent performance.

Is FluoroMed® biocompatible for medical device applications?

Yes. FluoroMed® coatings are designed for medical device applications where biocompatibility is an important consideration. The coatings are commonly used on components such as guidewires, needles, mandrels, hypotubes, coils, and other precision medical parts. In addition to providing lubricity and release, the coatings are formulated to support the performance and regulatory needs of medical manufacturers. Their proven use across a variety of medical applications makes them a trusted option for many device designs.

What color options are available for FluoroMed® PTFE coatings, and why does color matter for medical devices?

FluoroMed® PTFE coatings are available in multiple colors, including clear/natural, green, blue, gray, and black. Color options can help manufacturers visually identify devices, distinguish product sizes or configurations, and support organization during assembly or clinical use. In some applications, color coding can also help simplify inventory management or reduce the risk of product mix-ups. The availability of multiple coating colors gives engineers and manufacturers added flexibility without sacrificing coating performance.

Is FluoroMed® PFOA-free, water-based, and compatible with antimicrobial requirements?

Yes. FluoroMed® coatings are PFOA-free and water-based, helping support environmental and regulatory goals within the medical industry. In addition to providing low friction and release performance, the coatings can also be formulated with antimicrobial properties when required for specific applications. This can be beneficial for devices used in environments where cleanliness and contamination control are critical. The combination of performance, compliance, and formulation flexibility makes FluoroMed® suitable for a wide range of medical device applications.

FluoroMed® coatings provide an industry-trusted solution for medical devices requiring high-performance, biocompatible coatings. Contact us today to learn how SSG’s proven PTFE coatings can support your device’s performance and compliance needs.