Medical Design Briefs - January 2024 - 26

Design Briefs
solutions is, therefore, not just a matter
of compliance but of utmost necessity
for patient safety.
High-Attenuation Shielding:
A Necessity in Modern Medical
Equipment
Medical devices that use sensitive
electronic components must operate
without interference to ensure patient
safety, and so high-attenuation shielding
emerges as the frontline defense
against EMI. This technology is designed
to absorb or reflect electromagnetic
waves, thereby preventing interference
with device operation.
The integrity of medical devices,
their accuracy, and their reliability
heavily depend on the effectiveness of
this shielding. It's not just about meeting
regulatory standards; it's about ensuring
that every heartbeat monitored,
every diagnostic image captured, and
every life-support system deployed operates
with unwavering precision.
Case Study: Tech Etch's 2400 and
2500 Series
In addressing the vital need for
high-attenuation shielding, products
like Tech Etch's 2400 and 2500 series
fabric over foam offers the flexibility
but also the support and durability required
in the medical industry. Both
the 2400 and 2500 series are UL-94 V-0
certified, indicating their adherence to
the highest standards of fire safety.
Moreover, the 2500 series provides a
halogen-free option, aligning with the
growing demand for environmentally
friendly and sustainable materials in
medical technology.
Their unique construction balances
flexibility with robust shielding effectiveness,
making them suitable for a
range of medical applications where
EMI protection is not just desirable
but essential. The nickel-plated,
RoHS-compliant metalized fabricover-polyurethane
gaskets offer optimal
electrical characteristics. As such,
they serve as an apt demonstration of
the industry's ability to innovate in response
to evolving EMC challenges.
Fabric-over-foam shielding is flexible,
making it suitable for a variety of
applications where rigid shielding materials
might not be practical. This
flexibility allows the material to conform
to different shapes and contours
within electronic devices.
The fabric can be designed to cover
entire surfaces seamlessly, providing
consistent and complete coverage. This
helps in preventing electromagnetic
waves from leaking in or out of the
shielded area. The foam underneath
the fabric provides structural support
and durability. The foam can absorb
shocks and vibrations, making the
shielding material robust and long-lasting.
Fabric-over-foam shielding is relatively
easy to install during the manufacturing
process. It can be integrated into
medical electronics without significantly
altering the design or any assembly
procedures.
The Future of EMC Shielding in
Medical Technology
Looking ahead, the medical industry's
trajectory points toward an even
greater integration of electronics in
healthcare. This progression underscores
the need for continuous innovation
in EMC shielding solutions. Future
developments might include
advancements in materials science,
leading to more efficient and adaptable
shielding products. Technologies
like the 2400 and 2500 series will likely
evolve, adapting to new challenges
and setting benchmarks in EMC protection
for medical devices.
The quest for EMC in medical devices
is a journey toward ensuring the utmost
safety and reliability of life-saving
technology. High-attenuation shielding
stands as a guardian in this journey,
a crucial component in the intricate
dance of electronic medical
devices. As we look to the future, the
role of innovative shielding solutions
becomes ever more critical in the pursuit
of advancing medical technology
for better patient care.
This article was written by Minh Medeiros,
Tech Etch, Plymouth, MA.
Contact: mmedeiros@techetch.com.
For more information, visit https://
techetch.com.
Advancing Medical Device Sustainability with
Specialty Thermoplastics
Using thermoplastics helps reduce environmental impact.
By Nithin Raikar and Manish Nandi, SABIC's Specialties Business
hermoplastic resins, composites,
and copolymers can help the
healthcare industry address multiple
sustainability challenges. Specifically,
thermoplastic materials can help
manufacturers develop medical devices
that:
* Feature optimized designs (lighter in
weight, smaller in dimensions, with
part and function integration).
T
* Incorporate bio-based (certified re26
newable),
mechanically recycled or
chemically upcycled material content.
* Offer greater durability to avoid premature
replacement and reduce landfilling.
By
choosing specialty thermoplastics,
device manufacturers can help reduce
the environmental impact of their
products while gaining plastic's wellknown
benefits of expanded design
freedom and streamlined, high-volume
www.medicaldesignbriefs.com
production of parts compared to metal
alternatives.
Building Sustainability into Device
Design
Medical device manufacturers should
consider sustainability in the early stages
of their product development process.
For example, some thermoplastics enable
thin-wall geometries that not only
reduce raw material usage, but also ofMedical
Design Briefs, January 2024
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Medical Design Briefs - January 2024

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