Abstract
Joining of medical plastics for devices are becoming more complex and more sophisticated, both in performance specifications and structural complexity. Atmospheric plasma and flame surface pretreatment promote the adhesion of many types of adhesives including those that are light curing.
Whether used in the form of instrumentation or surgical tools, for diagnostic monitoring or therapeutic purposes, medical devices typically consist of components and materials that must be joined in some way. Joining processes, such as adhesive bonding, can provide technical and economic advantages when preceded by surface preparation treatments such as air, flame and chemical plasma discharges. This paper explores the use of discharge surface treatments in the production of medical devices and reviews specific treatment applications in the medical device manufacturing industry.