Processing Considerations

Cleaning

Products are supplied to our customers in bulk form. They have been cleaned to remove machine oils and fiber finishes used in the manufacturing process. However, cleaning of your finished medical device is required before final packaging. The device should be cleaned using a method compatible with the product composition and manufacturing environment after you have finished fabricating your device and prior to packaging.

A common technique is to use an ultrasonic tank with a cleaning solution. The solution can be an aqueous system that uses a nonionic surfactant solution or a 70% isopropynol solution. A cycle time of 5 minutes should be adquate. If using a nonionic surfactant solution, then at least two rinse cycles in the ultasonic tank with purified water should be used. Very little surfactant is required as fiber finishes and machine oils have already been removed. After washing, the products will need to be dried. A cabinet dryer at a temperature of about 100° C can be used to facilitate drying. The exact cleaning method employed will need to be verified for your specific product and application.

Cutting

Mesh fabrics can be cut by many means, including

• laser
• ultrasonic
• steel rule die
• hot die
• knife
• scissor

Laser cutting has become the most widely used technique due to its versatility and ability to seal the cut edges. Laser cutters can cut any shape and seal the edges while doing so. Sealed edges prevent shedding of cut loops at the fabric edges and do not generate debris in the cutting process.

Sterilizing

Polyester-based products can be sterilized using most techniques, including gamma (Co60) irradiation, beta (e-beam) irradiation, steam autoclave, and ethylene oxide (EtO).

Polyprpopylene-based products can be sterilized using steam autoclave and ethylene oxide (EtO). Polypropylene cannot be sterilized using irradiation techniques, such as gamma or beta irradiation, as the polymer will be significantly degraded.

The exact sterilization method employed will need to be evaluated for your specific product and application.