Smart Molding International 1-2022

47 materials www.smart-molding.com H enkel has introduced three new low pressure molding (LPM) materials designed to seal and protect medical devices frommoisture, temperature extremes, chemicals, vibra - tion, impact and other environmental concerns. Using a gentle, low pressure process, Loctite PA 6732, Loctite PA 6682 and Loctite PA 6951 completely encap - sulate medical devices including cathe - ters, tube sets, connectors, and surgical tools, as well as sensors and switches used inmedical diagnostic andmonitor - ing equipment. All three LPM products are tested to Henkel’s protocols based upon ISO 10993 biocompatibility stan - dards including skin sensitization, with certificates available on request. LPM hot melts completely replace thermoplastic housings and allow manufacturers to produce complex and intricate assemblies by custom - izing part geometry, surface texture, color and opacity. These materials form an adhesive bond with the en - tire component being encapsulated, becoming part of the component’s three-dimensional form and creating a water-tight, chemically-resistant seal. The cost-effective LPMprocess involves three steps: placing the bare compo - nent into a custom mold set, heating the polyamide material and injecting it at low pressure into the mold, and allowing the material to cool rapidly for 10 to 50 seconds before removing the newly encased and bonded component for immediate use. Formulated to allow greater design freedom than traditional medical en - capsulants, Loctite PA 6732, Loctite PA 6682 and Loctite PA 6951 are single component, solvent-free polyamides that are solid at room temperature. De - rived from natural fatty acid feed stocks obtained from renewable resources such as soy, rapeseed and sunflowers, they are green and sustainable. No harmful fumes are released during the molding process, and all products are RoHS and REACH compliant. Loctite PA 6732 is an amber mate - rial that performs well in temperatures from -40 to 140°C. Clear Loctite PA 6682 is designed for use in temperatures be - tween -25 and 105°C. Loctite PA 6951 is a colorless material that performs well in temperatures from -40 to 100°C. These new products are part of Henkel’s complete portfolio of LPM products used in electronic compo - nents, power and industrial automation, HVAC, and lighting applications. Henkel www.henkel.com Henkel low pressure molding materials protect and seal medical electronics Loctite low pressure molding materials have been tested to Henkel’s protocols based upon ISO-10993 biocompatibility standards, with certificates available on request (All pictures: Henkel) Low pressure molding materials provide environmental and electrical protection for wearable pulse oximeters. They form an adhesive bond with the entire component being encapsulated, becoming part of the component’s three-dimensional form and creating a water-tight, chemically-resistant seal.