Putnam Plastics: RilSlix-coated medical mandrels and wire surpass industry-standard adhesion performance

Mandrels and wires coated with a compound that exceeds industry-standard adhesion performance fivefold are now available from Putnam Plastics Corp. (Dayville, CT). The new products incorporate a unique surface chemistry that has been optimized for use as a processing aid in catheter manufacturing.The PFOA-free, REACH-compliant RilSlix compounds offer unparalleled durability, which enables wires/mandrels to be used repeatedly without flaking, said Putnam. The combination of performance, wear-resistance and longevity makes RilSlix-coated mandrels a cost-effective option, superior to standard fluoropolymer-coated wires and mandrels, according to the company."As a catheter engineer, my team regularly utilizes coated mandrels in the manufacturing of complex catheters," said Robert St. John, Senior Catheter Engineer at Putnam Plastics. "These new mandrels coated from RilSlix compounds are ideal for multi-lumen catheters, reflow processes or continuous processes where mandrels are required, as they are easily released and can be used over and over again without flaking."Discrete mandrel and continuous wire coating is compatible with a variety of metals including, but not limited to, stainless steel, silver plated copper, and nitinol in diameters ranging from 0.010 to over 0.500 in. (0.254 to 12.7 mm). Discrete lengths up to 13 ft (4 m) can be accommodated.Putnam Plastics is specialized in advanced extrusion technology for minimally invasive medical devices. Its engineers routinely assist medical device OEMs and their suppliers select polymer coatings that best meet product performance requirements. Samples are available in formats that will allow customers to evaluate bond strength, frictional properties and durability. Putnam Plastics also offers in-house testing for all adhesion and coating processes.