2:00PM –2:25PM

Abstract:
Joining technology is a key concern for medical device manufacturers. Current methods of surface preparation prior to bonding materials relies on manual labor that is expensive, low yield and unreliable. In addition, organic solvents and chemicals are often used that have EH&S concerns. Surface preparation by atmospheric pressure plasma has emerged as a viable alternative to manual processes. It eliminates human error through automation, is highly reliable, and does not damage the delicate materials found in medical devices. It will be shown that atmospheric plasma activation can increase the strength of bonded parts by 2 to 10 times over other methods. Moreover, there are no EH&S or waste disposal concerns. The presentation will include a description of atmospheric pressure plasma systems, and how they are used to activate material surfaces for bonding. The relationship between adhesive bond strength and surface composition will be revealed, and the implications of this technology for improving medical device manufacturing will be discussed at the meeting.

We will discuss:

• Current methods of surface preparation for bond - issues with reliability and cost
• New methods of automated surface preparation employing low-temperature, atmospheric pressure plasma
• Processes used to bond plastics and resulting bond strength and durability
• Processes used to bond metals and resulting bond strength and durability
• Benefits to medical device manufacturers of automated surface preparation

Intended audience: Medical device engineers Directors of medical device manufacturing, product development, and R&D

About the speaker:
Robert F. Hicks, General Manager

Robert F. Hicks is the General Manager of Surfx Technologies LLC, a subsidiary of Precision Mechatronics Pty Ltd. Surfx sells atmospheric pressure plasma tools for high-speed surface treatment. Dr. Hicks is also a Full Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Materials Science at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Robert received his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware in 1977 and the University of California, Berkeley, in 1984. He founded Surfx Technologies in 1999, and he has been a faculty member at UCLA since 1985. His research interests are in the physics, chemistry and engineering of materials. Robert has authored over 160 scientific papers throughout his career. He is a member of the AVS, TMS and AIChE. In 2001, he was elected Fellow of the American Vacuum Society. In 1999, he received an R&D 100 Award for co-invention of the atmospheric pressure plasma jet. Robert has been voted Professor of the Year, by the UCLA chemical engineering students in 1993, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2008 and 2010.