Surface Texturing for Improved Bonding

[ Surface Texturing ] OVERVIEW [ Motivation for Work ] [ Current Art ] [ Test Methodology ] [ Experimental Data ] [ Results and Discussion ] Recent regulatory activities within the medical device market have increased the necessity for processes that yield not only superior results but more predictable and capable results. One area of particular concern for device designers has been the strength and capability of metal to polymer bonds. Current technologies such as precision blasting were tested against advanced techniques such as laser texturing. [ Laser Texturing ] At Pulse Technologies, we've developed advanced laser texturing techniques to create controlled surface roughness for improved bonding strength, particularly for bonding between plastic and metal surfaces of a component or assembly. This process yields a 3X increase in strength on metal to polymer adhesive bonds. We use this approach for a number of vascular and cardiac applications, including precision welded assemblies and precision machined parts. Working with customers on specific component parts, we have mastered the process such that it's consistently repeatable and can be offered cost- effectively. It takes the right equipment, but beyond that, laser texturing is the result of some imagination among engineers, a customer wanting something better and different and the general Pulse attitude of, “of course, why not?” [ Motivation for Work ]  Variability of bonding polymer cannulas to metallic subcomponents  Trends in requirements for long term fatigue life  Reduction of operator influence on adhesion strength  Advanced controls for better repeatability [ Current Art ]  Assemblies utilize UV cure adhesives  Bonding strength effected by surface roughness  Subcomponents mechanically treated to produce a roughened surface  Typically abrasively blasted to increase adhesion [ Test Methodology ]  Produce a variety of textured surface utilizing CNC controlled laser etching  Benchmark laser texture versus abrasive blasting  Optimize laser surface textures for increased reliability [ Texture Rig ] [ Test Rig ] [ Texture Results – Machined ] [ 500X ] [ 1000X ] [ 2000X ] [ Texture Results – Abrasive Blasting ] [ 500X ] [ 1000X ] [ 2000X ] [ Texture Results – Machined ] [ 500X ] [ 1000X ] [ 2000X ] [ Texture Results – Laser Texture #1 ] [ 160X ] [ 511X ] [ Texture Results – Laser Texture #2 ] [ 160X ] [ 511X ] [ Texture Results – Laser Texture #3 ] [ 300X ] [ 300X ] [ 866X ] [ Texture Results – Technique Comparisons ] [ Laser Texturing Advantages]  Various surface features can be produced and controlled  Laser texturing offers a highly repeatable and reproducible process  Abrasive blasting debris do not have to be removed  Validation efforts are reduced as opposed to abrasive blasting 2000 AM Drive Quakertown, PA 18951 T: 267-733-0200 / F: 267-733-0201 E: [email protected]