Industry Series: Medical
The medical industry has diverse hermetic seal needs, and hermeticity has greatly evolved over time to meet different sterilization and functionality requirements. Hermetic seal use in the medical field begins with Research & Development, and continues in implantable devices and medical equipment. While a hermetic seal may not be required in every situation, when hermeticity is a requirement, quality is a necessity. X-Ray machines, CT machines, laboratory equipment, computers, glove boxes, sterilization equipment, etc. need to perform invariably. These devices require that power and signals can pass through properly, despite coming in contact with different environments. Dust and moisture cannot pervade any seals; this could affect readings, accuracy, and the operations of the equipment systems. Equipment that is used daily at hospitals or medical centers needs to meet the highest standards. When lives are on the line, reliability cannot be compromised. There are important considerations when choosing a seal for your needs:- What is the environment? Will the seal be exposed to chemicals, dust, gases, or radiation? Perhaps the seal needs to perform in a pressurized environment, or could have temperature variations.
- What is the expected or required lifespan? Seals with a dynamic lifestyle versus static should be engineered according to the use.
- Material choice is important with any seal, and, in the medical industry, material choice can affect usage. Implantable devices require different materials than equipment, such as an X-Ray machine.
