n the ever-evolving field of medical device design, ongoing advancements have revolutionised how patients interact with healthcare technology. The demand for smaller, more portable and advanced medical devices has spurred
significant breakthroughs. Innovative devices, such as lab-on-chips capable of analysing blood and detecting pathogens, as well as compact ECG and health monitors, offer a wide range of benefits to patients. These innovative technologies improve healthcare by enabling quicker and more accurate diagnoses, leading to timely medical interventions and enhanced treatment outcomes. Wearables continue to dominate the industry. The global market for wearable
medical devices, estimated at US$20.7 billion in 2022, is projected by industry experts to reach US$72.2 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.9% during the analysis period of 2022-2030. This exponential growth highlights the immense potential and opportunities within the wearable medical device market, highlighting its significance in shaping the future of healthcare. However, the design process for these miniature and complex devices poses unique challenges for manufacturers. One critical aspect that significantly impacts the reliability and enhanced design of medical devices is the planning of cleaning processes.
Medical device designers should understand that cleaning the components
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used within them is paramount to ensuring reliability. During manufacture and before assembly, packaging, sterilisation or coating, removal of contamination like production debris such as machining oils, dust, metal filings and fingerprints, is essential. Even the slightest trace of contaminant can compromise device performance and consistency. As medical devices shrink in size, cleaning becomes more challenging
due to intricate shapes, tight crevices and delicate parts made from various materials. To achieve optimal cleanliness and uphold device quality and reliability, designers must carefully strategise and plan cleaning processes during the initial stages of development.
To tackle the cleaning challenges presented by miniaturised medical devices, designers are embracing innovative cleaning fluids and techniques. Among these is vapour degreasing. Although it faced a decline in popularity due to environmental considerations years ago, the development of green cleaning solutions and advanced fluids has breathed new life into this process. In alignment with the global focus on sustainability, designers are shifting
towards environmentally friendly cleaning fluids. These next-generation fluids offer not only high effectiveness but also reduced environmental impact. By using a combination of compounds, including hydrocarbons such as mineral spirits, isopropanol and ethanol, chemists can tailor cleaning fluids to meet specific device requirements. These sustainable cleaning fluids comply with environmental regulations and position designers to meet future green initiatives. By prioritising sustainability in cleaning practices, designers can contribute to a more eco-conscious medical device industry. Incorporating vapour degreasing into the design and production of medical
devices brings a multitude of benefits that extend beyond environmental considerations. One significant benefit is the ability of vapour degreasing cleaning fluid to clean even the most intricate components and delicate materials thoroughly. Its exceptional compatibility with various materials, low surface tensions and high liquid densities, allow the cleaning fluid to penetrate complex geometries and tight spaces. As a result, the cleaning process removes contaminants completely, leaving no residue behind. Importantly, the cleaning fluids used in vapour degreasers dry quickly, eliminating any residual moisture within the device, preventing corrosion and mitigating potential bioburden issues. This allows designers to explore intricate product designs without any constraints or limitations. Incorporating advanced cleaning techniques, such as vapour
• ISO 10993 certi cation • Cure in seconds
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• A wide range to choose from; nd the most suitable for your substrates and application
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• Technology from a global leader in UV curing materials and systems
In addition to materials, we offer matched application and curing equipment for a complete process.
degreasing, offers significant advantages in streamlining manufacturing processes. By combining the cleaning process with surface treatments like medical-grade lubrication or speciality films, designers can achieve greater efficiency and reduce overall processing time. This seamless integration allows for quick cleaning and coating of parts, improving productivity and cost-effectiveness. By optimising the cleaning process, designers can streamline manufacturing to bring high-quality wearable devices to market more efficiently.
As wearable medical devices continue to dominate the market, medical device designers must recognise the critical role of effective cleaning processes in ensuring device reliability and performance. By adopting advanced cleaning solutions, designers can overcome the challenges posed by intricate designs and delicate materials. Furthermore, by integrating cleaning considerations into the design phase and embracing sustainable cleaning practices, designers can optimise device design, streamline manufacturing processes, and contribute to a greener and more efficient medical device industry.
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