DÜSSELDORF, Germany—Henkel has introduced three new low pressure molding (LPM) materials designed to seal and protect medical devices from moisture, temperature extremes, chemicals, vibration, impact and other environmental concerns.

Applied with a gentle, low pressure process, Loctite PA 6732, Loctite PA 6682 and Loctite PA 6951 completely encapsulate medical devices including catheters, tube sets, connectors, surgical tools, sensors and switches. All three LPM products are tested to Henkel’s protocols based upon ISO 10993 biocompatibility standards, including skin sensitization.

LPM hot melts completely replace thermoplastic housings and allow manufacturers to produce complex and intricate assemblies by customizing part geometry, surface texture, color and opacity. These materials form an adhesive bond with the entire component being encapsulated, becoming part of the component’s three-dimensional form and creating a water-tight, chemically resistant seal.

The LPM process involves three steps: placing the bare component into a custom mold set, heating the polyamide material, injecting it at low pressure into the mold, and allowing the material to cool for 10 to 50 seconds before removing the newly encased and bonded component for immediate use.

Loctite PA 6732, Loctite PA 6682 and Loctite PA 6951 are single-component, solvent-free polyamides that are solid at room temperature. Derived from natural fatty acid feed stocks obtained from renewable resources, such as soy, rapeseed and sunflowers, they are green and sustainable. No harmful fumes are released during the molding process, and all products are RoHS and REACH compliant.

Loctite PA 6732 is an amber material that performs well in temperatures from -40 to 140 C. Clear Loctite PA 6682 is designed for use in temperatures between -25 and 105 C. Loctite PA 6951 is a colorless material that performs well in temperatures from -40 to 100 C.