Enhancing Medical Device Performance with Dip Coating Technology

In the ever-evolving landscape of medical devices, surface coatings play a vital role in improving device performance, longevity, and biocompatibility. At Confluent Medical Technologies, our Dip Coating capabilities are engineered to deliver high-quality, thin polymeric coatings that meet the rigorous demands of today’s medical applications.

What is Dip Coating?

Dip coating is a versatile and cost-effective method used to apply thin, uniform polymeric coatings over medical frames and components. One of the primary materials used in this process is Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)—a flexible class of polymers known for forming both porous and non-porous medical coverings. TPUs can be dissolved in a solvent and cast over components such as stents or mandrels, forming a consistent and durable membrane coating.

Wide Range of Applications

Our Dip Coating capabilities are ideally suited for a variety of vascular and non-vascular medical devices, including:

• Embolic filters
  
  
• Clot retrieval devices
  
  
• Flow diversion devices
  
  
• Peripheral stent grafts
  
  
• Intra-bronchial valves
  
  
• Non-vascular stents

Customization & Versatility

We understand that no two medical devices are the same. That’s why our Dip Coating process supports a wide range of geometries and sizes:

• Length: 10 mm – 75 mm
  
  
• Diameter: 1 mm – 45 mm
  
  
• Wall Thickness: 0.001″ – 0.004″ (25 – 100 μm)

These values are just starting points. We welcome discussions around your specific device requirements to tailor our approach to your application.

Materials Expertise

Beyond TPUs, we work with a broad range of dip-coatable polymers, including:

• Pebax
  
  
• Pellethane
  
  
• Grilamid
  
  
• PETs

If your material of interest can be dissolved in a safe organic solvent, it may be a candidate for dip coating. Our technical team is here to assess feasibility on a project-by-project basis.

How It Works: Our Dip Coating Process

Our Dip Coating Machine is designed for precision and repeatability. Here’s how the process works:

1. The frame or component is dipped into a beaker filled with the polymer solution.
   
   
2. It’s then withdrawn at a controlled speed to ensure uniform coating.
   
   
3. Components up to 200 mm in length (with up to 300 mm of travel depending on fixturing) can be coated.
   
   
4. Devices can be coated while mounted on mandrels to maintain shape and control.
   
   
5. Post-coating, components are placed in a vacuum oven to dry and remove residual solvent.

Device Compatibility

Confluent’s Dip Coating capabilities support a broad array of components and assemblies, including:

• Stents
  
  
• Catheter sections
  
  
• Wires, wireforms, and metal tubing components
  
  
• Embolic filter structures (with laser hole popping and ablation available)

Let’s Collaborate

Whether you’re looking to enhance an existing device or bring a new concept to life, Confluent Medical Technologies is your trusted partner in dip coating innovation. Our vertically integrated capabilities and materials expertise enable rapid development cycles with reliable, repeatable results.

Reach out to our team today to explore how we can support your next project.