Masks for Orthopedic Devices

Manufacturers of orthopedic prostheses engage in manufacturing processes that often require masking materials for temporary surface protection. Components such as hip joints, knees, bone plates, and spinal implants possess both highly polished surfaces and rough, coated surfaces. Protection of one surface is always needed during the processing of the other. The delineation between these surfaces must be absolute. The masking material must provide flawless performance from edge to edge, and component to component.

Similar to aerospace and power generation industries, orthopedic prostheses manufacturers typically rely on traditional masking materials that include tapes and re-useable boots. The protection provided by these materials can be somewhat inconsistent, which has a direct impact on component rework and scrap. Boots tend to loosen over time, and tape edges can become compromised from aggressive grit blasting processes. Upon removal, tapes can also leave adhesive residue on surfaces that requires additional cleaning.

Panacol offers an alternative to traditional masking materials and methods. Highly resilient masking materials incorporating UV light curable technology are available for temporary surface protection of orthopedic devices. They are formulated to withstand high velocity impact of organic media, glass bead, and aluminum oxide. The UV masks’ resiliency and strong adhesion prevents edge lift, which preserves the integrity of the surface being protected. Panacol UV masking materials can be easily dispensed on surfaces by manual methods or through automated dispensing systems. Once dispensed, the liquid masking material is cured (hardened) in seconds using a UV light source. This dramatically reduces labor hours, and allows masking to be incorporated as an in-line process for continuous production flow.

Panacol UV masking materials are being used to protect surfaces of orthopedic devices during processing operations.