Medical Device & Instrument Coatings

For medical coatings one essential rule is the absolute cleanliness and sterilization of medical and surgical instruments, devices, and surfaces that are used and reused by physicians, surgeons, and healthcare professionals. Stronger and stronger cleaners and detergents are being used to disinfect, cleanse, and sterilize surgical instruments, sterilizing trays, medical devices, equipment, and the like—anything that is repeatedly used in hospital and doctor’s office environments.

One result of the constant cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of aluminum medical devices and equipment is the breakdown of the conventional aluminum anodic coatings found on these components. The limited chemical stability of these traditional medical coatings can lead to discoloration, corrosion, and loss of the coating, making these implements and devices unsuitable for medical use.

MICRALOX micro-crystalline anodic coatings have been proven in independent laboratory testing to extend the life of aluminum medical devices, instruments, and equipment, while being Cyotox and RoHS compliant. This makes MICRALOX the ideal solution for aluminum medical device coatings.

By preventing corrosion and discoloration, MICRALOX micro-crystalline aluminum oxide medical coatings can be used to extend the useful life of a wide range of aluminum medical instruments. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Stethoscopes
  • Surgical carts
  • Aluminum surgical instruments, including surgical devices with aluminum components
  • Orthopedic fixtures
  • Surgical instrument storage carts
  • Medical equipment with aluminum parts
  • Sterilizing trays
  • Sterilization containers
  • Sterilization packaging
  • Aluminum Medical Devices
  • Operating room fixtures

About Micro-Crystalline

MICRALOX® is a patented aluminum oxide coating with a micro-crystalline barrier that revolutionizes aluminum anodizing. MICRALOX produces a long lasting, virtually indestructible surface that delivers dramatically superior chemical corrosion resistance and eliminates color fading due to super-heated steam, and is an excellent alternative to stainless steel, plastic and other materials.

MICRALOX® Ultra 

When maximum performance for strong alkaline cleaning is critical to quality, MICRALOX® Ultra provides 50X the chemical resistance compared to decorative Type II anodizing. Aluminum parts coated with MICRALOX Ultra can withstand high-pH cleaning and sterilization protocols commonly used in European markets. MICRALOX Ultra coated parts can also withstand many other aggressive environments that would otherwise strip conventional anodic coatings and subject the parts to extensive corrosion.

As with all MICRALOX coatings, MICRALOX Ultra can receive embedded Sanford Print for crisp, permanent markings that do not delaminate, fade, or chip. This combination of best-in-class chemical- and corrosion-resistant coating and non-destructive markings provides the maximum protection for medical instruments for superior in-field performance.

For more information on MICRALOX Ultra performance, download this coating datasheet.

MICRALOX® Lumina

The clear, translucent oxide of MICRALOX® Lumina provides a perfect balance of breakthrough chemical resistance and design flexibility for medical device applications. Whether left natural, or dyed one of nine vivid colors, MICRALOX Lumina coatings achieves 16X the resistance in a hot alkaline strip test compared to Type II decorative anodizing. Unlike conventional anodizing and hard coat, the partially crystalline anodic coatings of MICRALOX Lumina hold up over a life-time of regular cleaning and sterilization without fading, chalking, or corroding.

As with all MICRALOX coatings, MICRALOX Lumina can receive embedded Sanford Print for crisp, permanent markings that do not delaminate, fade, or chip. This combination of superior chemical- and corrosion-resistant coating and non-destructive markings provides assurance for a full life-time of stringent cleaning and sterilization, as required of all medical devices.

For more information on MICRALOX Lumina performance, download this coating datasheet.