Sustainable Low Friction Medical Device Coating

GlideMed®: Sustainable, Compliant Low Friction Medical Device Coating

GlideMed® is a sustainable low friction coating for medical devices that is free from harsh chemicals. It is a water-based, biocompatible, environmentally friendly coating that was developed using established, proven coating technology.

Sustainable GlideMed® coatings are available in two formulations: GlideMed®-Low PTFE and GlideMed®-No PTFE with NO PFAS.

Both GlideMed® coatings offer permanently bonded, low friction properties that are a good, proven alternative to traditional PTFE coatings. Our advanced automation and testing equipment ensures high-quality, consistent, and repeatable application of the coating on an array of medical devices and components.

GlideMed® has excellent adhesion to stainless steel and nitinol substrates and superior durability compared to traditional resin-bonded PTFE coatings. Its low cure temperature of 450F makes it an ideal coating for nitinol, with no change to the nitinol activation temperature (Af).

PFOS-, PFOA- and Hex Chrome-Free Coating

Certain chemicals have come under increased scrutiny by the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and EU MDR (Medical Device Regulation). Medical device manufacturers and their design engineers are increasingly seeking functional coatings that meet or exceed regulatory requirements. GlideMed® is a sustainable, water-based coating that is REACH and RoHS compliant. It features:

No PTFE/No PFAS and Low PTFE Options
No PFOS
No PFOA
No Hexavalent Chromium
No Harsh Solvents

Medical Device Applications with Low Friction GlideMed®

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

Guidewires
Needles
Coils
Mandrels
Hypotubes
Continuous reel-to-reel wire
Push/Pull wires
Components and more

Apply GlideMed® to Multiple Wire Types and Configurations

Stainless steel alloys, tungsten, titanium, nitinol, and silver-plated copper
Round, stranded, flat, twisted, tapered, coils, cables, or tubes
Discrete lengths up to 300 cm
Reel-to-reel, continuous length
Wire diameters starting at .003″

Coating Options and Key Features of GlideMed®

Two formulations: No PTFE/No PFAS and Low PTFE
Clear/natural, green, blue, gray, black, and custom colors available
Applied coating thickness of .0001″ – .001″ per side
Excellent adhesion and flexibility
Uniform coverage and thickness
Smooth, continuous low-friction surface
No change to nitinol activation temperature (Af)
Low coefficient of friction (CofF)
Good insulation properties
Non-stick properties
Can be post ground

Superior Quality, Experience and Integrity You Can Rely On

For all medical and precision applications, the experience and integrity of the coating applicator is of utmost importance. Medical device and component companies choose SSG for our unparalleled, exceptional quality, delivery, and service.