INDUSTRY FOCUS MEDICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL
STICKING TO INNOVATION ADHESIVES IN MEDIC
Gavin Jackson, applications manager at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, explores the critical role adhesives play in advancing medical device innovation and solving design challenges across the industry
A comprehensive range of medical adhesives are available
epoxies are commonly chosen for their high strength and resistance to environmental stress. Top-tier medical adhesives are engineered to endure high humidity and temperatures up to 135˚C, making them well-suited for autoclaving and other demanding sterilisation methods.
THREADLOCKING AND BONDING In larger equipment – such as hospital beds, diagnostic scanners and wheelchairs – the need shifts slightly from speed of production to structural integrity and lifecycle durability. These systems are exposed to mechanical vibrations, frequent repositioning and constant patient interaction. While they may rely on traditional fasteners like screws and bolts, even these parts of the equipment can benefit significantly from adhesive enhancement.
“Far more than just ‘glue’, adhesives
are essential to the performance and integrity of both single-use and
treatments or enabling patient mobility and recovery. However, behind these complex technologies lies an often overlooked component that plays a foundational role in their design, function and longevity: adhesives. Far more than just ‘glue’, adhesives are
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essential to the performance and integrity of both single-use and reusable medical equipment. From bonding delicate components in infusion pumps, to reinforcing fasteners in hospital beds and imaging machines, adhesives support the full spectrum of healthcare technology – from frontline surgical tools to durable, everyday patient support and wellness systems. As demands for efficiency, patient safety and
product reliability grow, so too does the crucial role adhesives play in meeting these expectations.
A FOUNDATION FOR SAFETY, EFFICIENCY AND RELIABILITY Medical equipment is used in some of the most critical and controlled environments imaginable. Not only must devices work flawlessly and repeatedly, but they are often required to last for years. For engineers, this means designing systems that can withstand real-world stresses such as mechanical strain,
edical devices sit at the heart of modern healthcare, whether for diagnosing conditions, supporting
exposure to chemicals, repeated sterilisation and even just the rigours of patient use, in hospital and at home. Adhesives help solve these design challenges
in ways that traditional mechanical fasteners or welds are not able to. They enable precision bonding without adding bulk or weight, support a variety of dissimilar materials, and simplify assembly processes. Just as importantly, they reduce the number of failure points in a device, contributing directly to improved patient outcomes through greater equipment reliability. In disposable devices such as syringes, IV sets and catheter systems, light-cure adhesives have become an industry standard. These formulations cure rapidly on exposure to specific light wavelengths – enabling fast, high-throughput, assembly while maintaining consistent bond quality. In addition, compliance with ISO 10993 standards ensures they meet stringent requirements for biocompatibility and patient safety. Reusable medical devices like ventilators,
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines and monitoring systems face another layer of demands. These products are routinely sterilised, cleaned, and exposed to moisture and heat. As a result, adhesives used in these applications must deliver exceptional durability and long-term performance. Cyanoacrylates and
40 DESIGN SOLUTIONS JULY/AUGUST 2025
reusable medical equipment”
Threadlocking adhesives applied to fasteners
prevent loosening caused by vibration or thermal cycling. This not only ensures patient safety but also reduces the maintenance burden for hospitals and care facilities. In these applications, adhesives provide a hidden layer of reliability that directly supports better operational performance. Adhesives are also used to bond casings,
attach internal components and seal electronics from dust or fluid ingress. Whether in diagnostic imaging machines or mobile examination units, they help protect high-value equipment and extend its usable life.
SUPPORTING INNOVATION AND DESIGN SIMPLIFICATION As healthcare technology evolves, adhesives continue to enable innovation. Miniaturisation, for instance, is a major trend across health and wellness devices. Portable monitors, wearable sensors and home-care diagnostics all demand compact, lightweight construction – and adhesives are key to achieving this. They allow components to be bonded in tight spaces without the need for screws or clips,
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