By: Bentecmed.com
For 50 years now, silicone has been the material of choice for many medical device manufacturers around the globe. Silicone is made of the linkage of oxygen and silicon. Its unique structural component can be likened to a pure mineral like quartz, allowing it to withstand extreme temperatures and strong chemicals including some acids. In addition, its low compression set, stability, flexibility and bio-friendly makeup makes it a suitable base for medical product production compared to other materials like latex or polyurethane.
This astonishing material can be fabricated to produce over 2,000 variations including solids, pastes, oil, rubber and many other semi-viscous and liquid agents. In doing so, two catalysts are used to cure its polymers: peroxide and platinum.
In the medical field, silicone is widely used in the following areas:
* Diagnostics and medical-surgical procedures Because of its safe, non-toxic characteristic, silicone has replaced latex as a primary component in various medical supplies that are used in neurological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and urological procedures, as well as diagnostic workups. These include peristaltic pumps, enema and BP cuffs, septum, clips, catheters (urinary and retention), tubing (drainage, feeding, airway), surgical hand devices, anti-embolism devices, shunts, valves, stints (biliary, oncologic, esophageal occlusion), stoppers, seals, and balloons (extraction, occlusion), among others.
* Electromagnetic field therapy Silicone rubber is nonconductive, making it a safe and suitable material for therapies where electricity is involved. It is used as an inductor for electromagnetic radiation during electromagnetic therapy, a form of alternative medicine believed to alleviate a variety of diseases.
* Other sophisticated materials Silicone is also widely used to make hearing aids, test chambers, compression bars, coextrusions, various tips, sleeves and sheaths, gaskets, blood filtering wires, anti-thrombus device, and coatings.
With its versatility, silicone is also useful in non-medical applications. Today, it is utilized for production of devices in the following industries:
* Aerospace (aviation and navigation)
* Electronics (wireless communications, smart devices, visualization apparatus, sensors)
* Information technology (maintenance and introduction of user interface)
* Textile
* Construction and development
* Automotive
* Cosmetic
* Industrial and electrical
It can be said that with how adaptable, enduring and safe silicone is, it has become a crucial building block of everyday living. Its range of chemical, physical and mechanical qualities is still unparalleled compared to other conventional materials. Furthermore, while the addition of certain compounds (like plasticizers) to other materials only render them weaker and hazardous, doing do to silicone will only enhance its incredible properties – largely due to its versatile molecular structure.
When searching for a medical OEM to suffice fabrication needs, it is only thus wise to look for one who designs and develops equipment and other supplies using silicone. There are a few fabricators who still use latex, but established ones like Bentec Medical opt for silicone not only because it is more versatile, but because it is safer to use on patients and healthcare professionals – not to mention the workers who come in contact with the material for long hours everyday. Opting for silicone does not only comply with regulatory standards, it is ethical.
For more information go to http://www.bentecmed.com/oem-manufacturing-and-services
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