MEDISLICK™ N2/N2A LOW FRICTION, ULTRA-THIN COATINGS

MediSlick™ N2 is an ultra micron-thin low friction, PFAS-FREE coating for smooth cutting surfaces such as scalpels and blades. MediSlick™ N2A includes a micron-thin primer that provides additional lubricity, durability and release to parts with a higher surface roughness.

MediSlick™ N2 forms a covalent bond to the substrate to create a strong high-release and non-stick surface. As a result of this bond, no media-blast or chemical etching is necessary to prepare the substrate for coating application. Its ultra-thin film technology means performance enhancements can be added without dimensional changes, resulting in no tolerance issues with the design of a product.

MediSlick™ N2/N2A coatings reduce cutting force by providing an ultra-low friction coated surface. These long-lasting, non-stick coatings are permanently bonded to all types of metals, including stainless steel, Nitinol and tungsten, as well as some rubbers. These ultra-thin films have a low cure temperature and a high 500°F operating temperature.

The excellent release, low friction, and ultra-thin properties of MediSlick™ N2/N2A make these coatings ideal for surgical blades, scalpels, mandrels, dies, and molds – particularly catheter-forming mandrels and reflow mandrels.

With a film build of only 150–200 nanometers, MediSlick™ N2/N2A eliminates the need to grind mandrels to compensate for the thicker layer of traditional PTFE coatings. Designers can instead size the mandrel directly to the tube’s ID requirement. The coating can also be reapplied without harsh treatments like grit blasting – which alter the mandrel diameter and shorten its useful life – allowing the same mandrel to be reused repeatedly, extending its useful life.

MediSlick™ N2/N2A were formerly known as FluoroBond® N2/N2A. The names were changed to accurately reflect no fluoropolymers in the coatings.

Key Features and Properties of MediSlick™ N2/N2A

Very low Coefficient of Friction (CofF)
Thickness of .00001” – .0002” per surface
Excellent release for mandrels, dies and molds
Excellent adhesion to all metals and some rubbers
Excellent covalent bond for superior release and non-stick surface
Optically clear on smooth surfaces
Operating temperature up to 500°F
Solvent and chemical resistant
Meets ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity test

Medical Device Applications With Ultra-Thin MediSlick™ N2/N2A

The following medical device applications can benefit from the ultra-thin film build of low friction MediSlick™ N2/N2A:

Surgical blades
Scalpels
Mandrels
Needles
Dies
Molds
Miniature precision parts

MediSlick™ N2/N2A Coating Options and Characteristics

Micron-thin film (N2) or Micro-thin film and primer (N2A)
Low curing temperatures for use on certain metals and rubbers
Will not anneal or affect temper of cutting edges
Selective application area to optimize device performance
N2A primer adds to lubricity and release of higher surface roughness parts

MediSlick™ N2/N2A FAQs

What’s the difference between MediSlick™ N2 and N2A, and when should I use each?

MediSlick™ N2 is designed as an ultra-thin, low-friction release coating that performs well on mandrels and other components where maintaining tight tolerances is critical. MediSlick™ N2A builds on that performance by adding a micron-thin primer layer to improve durability, lubricity and release. Design engineers often select MediSlick™ N2A for parts that have a higher surface roughness or require the extra performance characteristics.

Is MediSlick™ N2/N2A PFAS-free, and how does it differ from traditional PTFE coatings?

MediSlick™ N2/N2A are PFAS-free alternatives to traditional PTFE-based coatings used in medical device manufacturing. That distinction is increasingly important for design engineers who are evaluating sustainable alternatives to traditional PTFE-based coatings while still needing low friction, release and durability. The ultra-thin properties of MediSlick™ N2/N2A make these coatings ideal for surgical blades, scalpels, mandrels, dies, and molds – particularly catheter-forming mandrels and reflow mandrels.

How thin is MediSlick™ N2/N2A, and does it affect part dimensions or mandrel tolerances?

MediSlick™ N2/N2A is applied with an ultra-thin build of only .00001” to .0002”. For mandrels specifically, this thin film build is dramatically thinner than many traditional PTFE coatings and allows engineers to size the mandrel directly to the catheter tube’s ID requirement instead of compensating for a thicker coating layer. This avoids the post-coating grinding step often needed with the thicker build of traditional PTFE coatings that can add roughly .0001″ to .0005″ to the mandrel diameter. In catheter forming, that added thickness can be enough to affect the final inner diameter of the tube. Because the mandrel diameter defines the catheter ID, even small variations matter.

Can MediSlick™ N2/N2A be reapplied to mandrels without grit blasting or chemical etching?

MediSlick™ N2/N2A can be reapplied without harsh surface treatments like grit blasting. That is a significant benefit for mandrels because grit blasting can alter the mandrel diameter and shorten its useful life. For catheter-forming mandrels, dimensional stability is the whole point. If the mandrel surface is repeatedly blasted, ground or otherwise aggressively prepared, the mandrel can gradually move out of tolerance. MediSlick™ N2/N2A helps avoid that issue by allowing the same mandrel to be reused repeatedly, extending useful life and reducing replacement costs.

Is MediSlick™ N2/N2A biocompatible and tested to ISO 10993-5?

MediSlick™ N2/N2A 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.

Was MediSlick™ N2/N2A previously known as FluoroBond® N2/N2A? Is it the same coating?

Yes, MediSlick™ N2/N2A was previously named FluoroBond® N2/N2A. The coating technology itself remains the same, but the names were changed to more accurately reflect no fluoropolymers in the coatings. That distinction is increasingly important for design engineers who are evaluating sustainable alternatives to traditional PTFE-based coatings while still needing low friction, release and durability properties.