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.

Available in No PTFE and Low PTFE formulations, sustainable GlideMed™ coatings offer permanently bonded, low friction properties that are a good 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.

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 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
  • Coils
  • Mandrels
  • Needles
  • Hypotubes
  • Continuous reel-to-reel wire
  • Push/Pull wires

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™

  • No PTFE and Low PTFE formulations
  • Clear/natural, green, blue, gray, black, and custom colors available
  • Applied coating thickness of .00012″ – .0005″ per side
  • Excellent adhesion
  • 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.

Additional Resources

Tech Sheet

Download our tech sheet for a printable version you can share with your team.

Download PDF

Questions?

Learn more about using sustainable, low friction GlideMed™ coating for your next medical device project.

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