Victrex APTIV(TM) Film Chosen for Marking Labels on Light Conductors in Medical Laser Equipment Applications
West Conshohocken, PA - (December 31, 2007) - Dornier MedTech, a pioneer and market leader in the urology market, selected Victrex APTIV(TM) film, made with VICTREX® PEEK(TM) polymer, for the marking labels on reusable light conductors in its high-quality solid-state lasers. APTIV(TM) film was selected because of its excellent steam sterilization resistance at 134°C (273°F) and its excellent resistance to aggressive media such as cleaning and disinfecting agents used in demanding laser surgery environments. APTIV film labels can be readily printed upon using laser marking as well as a number of other conventional printing techniques.
Marking labels are a critical component in the design of laser equipment used in a high precision surgical techniques including varicotomy and for soft tissue surgery in the areas of urology and otolaryngology. The label's function is to indicate the remaining number of reuse cycles of the reusable light conductors in the laser equipment. One of the main reasons APTIV film was selected was the very low level of extractible ions in the film. All unfilled APTIV film grades are characterized by purity and excellent hydrolysis resistance. Due to the inherent purity of APTIV film only the lowest quantities of ionic constituents were determined by mass spectroscopy after specimens were stored in deionized water at 55°C (131°F) for 24 hours.
APTIV film offers high dimensional stability, excellent mechanical properties and a maximum continuous use temperature of up to 220°C (428°F). Even exposure to steam at 200°C (392°F) for 2000 hours and pressure of 1.4 MPa did not reveal any significant changes to the high values of the mechanical properties of APTIV film. APTIV films are available with thicknesses as low as 6 µm and widths of up to 1500 mm. The product selected by Dornier MedTech for this particular application has a thickness of 125µm.
Victrex USA, Inc., a division of Victrex plc, is the sole manufacturer and supplier of VICTREX PEEK polymer worldwide. For more information on APTIV films, please call (800) VICTREX or visit the Victrex website at www.victrex.com.
Note: If you would like more information about this story, or if you would like to speak with a Victrex spokesperson,
Please contact Kris Jommersbach at krisj@geminiinc.com
Victrex plc is an innovative leading manufacturer of high performance materials, including VICTREX® PEEK(TM) polymer, VICOTE® Coatings and APTIV(TM) Film. These materials are used in a variety of markets and offer and exceptional combination of properties to help processors and end users reach new levels of cost savings, quality and performance. For more information visit: www.victrex.com or victrex.mobi.
