3M Medical Adhesives play a crucial role in the construction of medical devices, ensuring reliability, comfort, and safety for patients. 3M has over 55 years of experience in developing medical-grade adhesives and films. These materials serve as adhesives within various medical devices, from wearable health monitors to diagnostic patches.
Custom Converting is a 3M Select Converter and we are proud to offer the full line of 3M adhesives and tape products. Not only have we been working in the converting field for 40 years, we’ve been working specifically with the biotech industry, life-sciences industry and medical device industry for decades. We have experience that you can trust.
Do you just need a 3M Medical Adhesive supplier, or someone to convert tapes and/or adhesives for you? We can do that. Would you like custom manufacturing of your component or product? Look no further. Custom Converting makes your parts to your specifications every time.
Applications of 3M Medical Adhesives
3M’s medical adhesives, films, fasteners, and components find applications across countless medical device manufacturing processes. These materials improve productivity and add value to your products. Whether it’s securing diagnostic films, creating microfluidic diagnostic adhesives, or developing body-worn solutions, 3M has you covered.
What products might require a 3M medical adhesive?
- Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems: Adhesive patches deliver medications through the skin. Examples include pain relief patches, and hormone replacement therapy patches.
- Electrodes for ECG and EEG Monitoring: Medical adhesives attach electrodes to the skin for electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring. These electrodes ensure accurate signal transmission.
- Ostomy Appliances: Adhesives are used in ostomy bags and pouches to securely attach them to the skin around a stoma (an opening created during surgery, e.g., colostomy or ileostomy).
- Surgical Drapes and Incise Films: Adhesives help secure surgical drapes and incise films during procedures. They create a sterile barrier, prevent contamination, and maintain a clear field of view for surgeons.
- Medical Tapes and Dressing Adhesives: Medical tapes are essential for securing catheters, tubing, and wound dressings. They provide reliable adhesion while being gentle on the skin.
- Diagnostic Wearables and Sensors: Adhesives hold wearable sensors (e.g., glucose monitors, ECG patches) in place on the skin. They ensure continuous monitoring without discomfort. Adhesives that adhere to skin, stay in place, and provide comfort are essential for wearable medical devices. Patients rely on these devices for critical health monitoring.
- Orthopedic Braces and Supports: Adhesives secure orthopedic braces, splints, and supports. They enhance patient comfort and stability.
- IV Catheter Securement: Transparent film dressings with adhesives are used to secure intravenous (IV) catheters and prevent dislodgment.
3M Medical Adhesives are Designed to Adhere to the Skin while Minimizing Irritation
We are often asked about adhesive allergies. A small percentage of the population (2-3%) are allergic to adhesives of any type. However, so many medical applications require the use of adhesive technology that 3M has developed medical adhesives that minimize irritation and still deliver solid adhesion.
They achieve this balance with:
- Skin-Friendly Formulation: 3M formulates adhesives with materials that are gentle on the skin, consequently these materials minimize allergic reactions and irritation.
- Low Trauma Removal: 3M adhesives are engineered for painless removal, so they adhere securely during use but release easily without damaging the skin. If you need an even more delicate removal process, silicone-based adhesives are known for their low trauma properties.
- Testing and Validation: 3M rigorously tests adhesives for skin compatibility. These tests assess irritation potential, sensitization, and biocompatibility.
Customization for Specific Applications
Different applications require varying levels of adhesion. 3M tailors adhesives to meet specific needs (e.g., strong adhesion for surgical drapes, gentle adhesion for wearable sensors). Choosing the right adhesive for your project is an important part of product development.
Custom Converting has access to the full catalog of 3M adhesives. We have over 40 years of experience in the converting industry, and if you’re not sure which 3M medical adhesive is right for you, we’d be happy to assist.
If you are looking for medical adhesive from someone other than 3M, we work with many other suppliers. We also offer custom adhesive development.
We’d love to discuss your project with you and get you the right adhesive. Complete the form on our website or the detailed request for quotation and email it to sales@customconverting.com. You can also call us at (760) 724-0664.