Adhesive supplier launches biocompatible adhesive which fluoresces orange

Adhesive supplier, Panacol, announces a new orange fluorescent ultraviolet (UV) adhesive formulated for bonding plastics.

The adhesive, Vitralit 7311 FO, demonstrates suitability for medical devices through its certification to USP class VI standards. Vitralit 7311 FO is a low viscosity, transparent acrylic adhesive that is able to cure under UV or visible light. 

The adhesive is also able to offer very high bond strength to many plastics including polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, poly(methyl methacrylate) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, as well as materials such as glass and stainless steel. Additionally, the low viscosity and capillary flow characteristics of Vitralit 7311 FO make the adhesive suitable for bonding both large surfaces and applications with narrow gaps.

Under a low intensity black light (365 nm wavelength), Vitralit 7311 FO is able to fluoresce orange. This colour change allows in-line quality control inspection as the bright fluorescence contrasts with plastics which possess a natural blue fluorescence or colour.

Optimum curing results for this adhesive can be achieved with LED curing equipment (405 nm wavelength), especially the UV-LED equipment Bluepoint LED eco from Hoenle. Bluepoint LED eco can be equipped with both wavelengths and as a result serve both processes. Modern photo initiators are able to cure Vitralit 7311 FO in high volume production within seconds. Once cured, Vitralit 7311 FO is resistant to humidity and alcohol. 

The adhesive is compatible with common sterilisation processes and well suited for use in the assembly of disposable medical devices.