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Overmolding: A Proven Method of Electronic Encapsulation for Medical Devices
By Peter Olisa, Head of Sales and Program Management, Cavist Manufacturing
impact can be seen in the lives of many people. Behind the scenes, electronic circuit boards are playing a crucial role in the func- tionality of these devices. Over the last few decades,
M
the world of medical devices has witnessed an unprecedented technological revolution. The number of released medical devices has been on the rise and this is expected to continue in the near future. Electronic boards face a
myriad of challenges while ensuring that the medical device functions at all times. Some of these challenges include mois- ture/particle ingress, thermal conductivity and electrical resis- tivity issues, intense steriliza- tion and cleaning requirements that sometimes compromise their functionality. Overmolding has emerged as a robust and proven method of electronic encapsulation. It has helped resolve a wide spectrum of issues encountered in the medical device industry.
edical devices are trans- forming life as we know it, and their positive
Overmolding’s Role Overmolding is a versatile
solution that addresses multiple issues and serves as a great packaging option for medical devices. It involves a low pres- sure, low temperature injection molding process where electronic circuit boards are gently encap- sulated using thermoplastic material like polyamides or TPE. Overmolding gives
the electronic circuit board ingress protection from moisture and parti- cles. In most applica- tions, customers are able to achieve an optimal IP rating of IP68. Also, the materials used in over- molding have great di - electric properties and provide excellent electri- cal insulation to the elec- tronic circuit board. Cavist employs various
over molding technologies, inclu - ding low-pressure molding with polyamide materials, two-shot molding combining TPE/TPU materials with polyamide or other TPE/TPU, and a relatively
new cutting-edge process epoxy overmolding. Epoxy overmolding is used
on medical devices that go through a rigorous sterilization and cleaning process like auto- claving. Autoclaving is an intense sterilization process that subjects electronic boards to high pressure and vaporized steam at elevated temperatures.
Epoxy overmolding is also
used on electronic boards that have high thermal conductivity, because the coefficient of ther- mal expansion (CTE) of the epoxy material matches the CTE of the FR4. Thus, there is uni- form expansion during thermal cycling. Finally, the epoxy over- mold is extremely resistant to harsh chemicals so it serves as an excellent protective barrier for electronic circuit boards as they go through cleaning using chemical agents.
Cavist’s Capabilities Cavist has been at the fore-
Electronic heart monitor. It is used to sterilize medical
devices, such as surgical instru- ments. The epoxy overmold pro- tects the electronic board from the harsh conditions of the autoclave cycle and prevents vaporized moisture from permeating in.
front of overmolding technology over the last three decades. The company has worked on numer- ous medical device projects where it has produced millions of parts for its customers using robust overmolding solutions. Customers consider Cavist to
be subject matter experts in over- molding/electronics encapsula- tion, and the company’s extensive experience includes the encapsu- lation of wearable devices, power and controller boards, surgical
Continued on next page
MID AMERICA Taping and Reeling, Inc.
630.629.6646
www.matr.com
Tape and Reel Service & Supplies
Surface Mount
Axial / Radial
Custom Carrier
Trays
Vacuum Sealers
Programming 121 Exchange Blvd Glendale Heights, IL 60139
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