Used It Before? Tough Labels Keep Track

June 5, 2008
Markable labels let surgical staffs know how many more times they can reuse a component in a solid-state laser from German equipment supplier Dornier MedTech.

The lasers are used in surgical techniques including varicotomy and for soft tissue urologic and otolaryngologic surgery.

The APTIV-film labels made from Victrex PEEK polymer withstand repeated steam sterilization and aggressive cleaning and disinfecting agents. Another reason Dornier engineers picked APTIV film is its low level of extractible ions. The high-purity material from Victrex USA Inc., West Conshohocken, Pa., is also easily laser marked or printed using conventional techniques.

Dimensionally stable APTIV films endure withstand continuous-use temperatures to 428°F (220°C). There is reportedly little change in the polymer’s mechanical performance after exposure to steam at 200°C (392°F) for 2,000 hr and pressures of 1.4 MPa. APTIV films come in thicknesses as low as 6 μm and widths to 1.5 m.

Make contact
Dornier MedTech, 49 (0) 8153 888 625, dornier.com
Victrex USA Inc., a div. of Victrex plc, (800) 842-8739, victrex.com

Dornier MedTech uses 125-μmthick APTIV films as markable labels on its laser equipment and cables so surgical teams know how many times a critical component can be reused.

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