Solvay selected for S+P Samson’s Structobond

S+P Samson GmbH selected Solvay Specialty Polymers’, Radel polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), film for the inlay of its new Structobond labels.

The labels will be used for medical instrument and device applications and Solvay, a supplier of high-performance thermoplastics, made the announcement at MD&M East 2015 last week.

Karl Tochtermann, managing director of S+P Samson GmbH in Kissing, Germany, said: “Our patented, adhesive Structobond labels represent a more durable, cost effective and higher contrast instrument labeling technique than conventional solutions, such as laser marking, engraving or etching. The technology is currently being tested in the European market, and so far the reaction has been extremely positive among instrument manufacturers and end-users alike.”

S+P Samson has developed its medical device labels to address the industry’s growing need for improved identification and management of surgical instruments in the operating theater. In addition, the extremely durable labels enable broader options for more detailed and higher contrast images and data.

To create the labels, Solvay’s Radel PPSU film is first marked with a dot matrix code, color or other data through a high-contrast, digital thermal transfer printing process. S+P Samson then encapsulates the PPSU film between two layers of its Structobond epoxy resin system.

The bottom layer forms a strong bond between any type of media, including metal, PPSU and coated surfaces. The PPSU film is then laminated with a top layer of the Structobond epoxy. After the curing process the top layer protects the printed data.

This method delivers exceptional steam and gamma sterilization compatibility, strong chemical resistance and high contrast for imprinted data used for improved product identification and traceability of surgical instruments.

Maria Gallahue, global business development manager for Healthcare at Solvay, said: “The broad selection of high-performance polymer films in Solvay’s Ajedium Films product family offered a wide range of widths and tolerance control to help S+P Samson quickly find the optimal solution for its innovative new medical labels. This application is emblematic of how Solvay’s materials and collaborative expertise help customers develop differentiated new solutions for emerging applications and compete more effectively in their target market.”

S+P Samson recently established a new company named Clinic-ID GmbH, which is working closely with medical device manufacturers and full solution providers serving central sterile service departments in medical centers and hospitals. Through Clinic-ID, S+P Samson will introduce its advanced new medical device labels to the European market, primarily in Germany. It is planning to expand availability of its technology to the U.S. and other key global regions over the next year.