GlideMed® Trusted Logo, Sustainable, Compliant Medical Device Coating

GlideMed®: Sustainable, Compliant Low Friction Medical Device Coating

GlideMed® is a sustainable low friction medical coating that is free from harsh chemicals. It is a water-based, biocompatible, environmentally friendly coating that was developed using established, proven coating technology. SSG’s GlideMed® coating is designed for consistent, repeatable application to a variety of medical devices and components.

Sustainable GlideMed® coatings are available in two formulations: GlideMed®-Low PTFE  and  GlideMed®-No PTFE, a PFAS-FREE coating for medical devices.

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. This low friction medical device coating is applied using advanced robotic automation for precise results.

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 hydrophobic surface coating for nitinol, with no change to the nitinol activation temperature (Af).

GlideMed® biocompatibility is tested to ISO 10993-5 by third party labs. Further compliance to ISO 10993-5 is the sole responsibility of the design owners.

PFOS-, PFOA- AND HEX CHROME-FREE HYDROPHOBIC 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 hydrophobic surface 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®:

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″
Needles
Guidewires

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.

GlideMed® FAQs

What’s the difference between GlideMed®-Low PTFE and GlideMed®-No PTFE/No PFAS, and how do I choose between them?

GlideMed®-Low PTFE contains a significantly reduced level of PTFE and delivers superior low friction and excellent release for demanding device applications. GlideMed®-No PTFE/No PFAS is formulated without intentionally added PTFE or PFAS, making it a strong option for manufacturers focused on evolving regulatory or sustainability requirements, with similar low friction properties. Both coatings are designed for excellent release and durability on medical components. The right choice depends on the balance between lubricity targets and regulatory preferences, and the performance requirements of the finished device.

Is GlideMed® compliant with PFAS, PFOA, REACH, and RoHS regulations?

GlideMed® coatings were developed with regulatory considerations in mind, including compliance with RoHS and REACH. The coatings are PFOA free and have no intentionally added PFAS to support manufacturers preparing for changing industry expectations.

How does GlideMed® perform on nitinol, and will it change the activation temperature (Af)?

GlideMed® is engineered to perform well on nitinol substrates commonly used in minimally invasive medical devices. The coating process is designed to maintain the functional properties of the nitinol substrate while providing a smooth, low-friction surface. GlideMed® coatings do not alter the nitinol activation temperature (Af). This allows manufacturers to improve device handling and lubricity while preserving the intended shape-memory characteristics of the nitinol material.

How does GlideMed® compare to traditional PTFE coatings in friction, durability, and adhesion?

GlideMed® is designed to provide lubricity levels comparable to or better than many conventional PTFE coatings while also offering excellent adhesion and durability. Its thin, uniform coating application helps improve device handling and durability during repeated use cycles. The result is a coating engineered for both smooth device movement and long-term reliability on complex medical components.

Is GlideMed® biocompatible, and is it tested to ISO 10993-5?

GlideMed® coatings are intended for medical device applications where biocompatibility is an important consideration. Biocompatibility is tested to ISO 10993-5 by third party labs. Compliance to ISO 10993-5 is the sole responsibility of the design owners.

What coating thickness, substrate types, and wire configurations work with GlideMed®?

GlideMed® is designed as an ultra-thin coating that has an applied thickness of .0001” to .001” per side . It can be applied to a range of substrates commonly used in medical manufacturing, including stainless steel, tungsten and nitinol. The coating is suitable for different wire types and configurations, including round, stranded, flat, twisted, tapered, coils, cables or tubes. We can coat discrete lengths up to 300 cm or reel-to-reel continuous length, with wire diameters starting at .003”.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

TECH SHEET

Download our tech sheets for printable versions you can share with your team.

QUESTIONS?

Learn more about using sustainable, low friction GlideMed®-Low PTFE or GlideMed®-No PTFE/No PFAS medical device coating for your next project.

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