Aluminum Oxide Coating Protects Aluminum Medical Devices

An aluminum oxide coating has been developed for finishing aluminum medical devices. Offered by Sanford Process Corp. (SPC; Woonsocket, RI), the Micralox coating creates a microcrystalline barrier that produces a long-lasting, virtually indestructible surface, according to the company.

As confirmed by independent testing, the RoHS-compliant coating provides good chemical corrosion resistance while eliminating color fading resulting from superheated steam. It also maintains the design flexibility and close tolerances associated with conventional anodizing and hard-coat methods.

There is a growing need for new approaches to finish reusable medical equipment made from aluminum, remarks Tim Cabot, president of SPC. "Considering design, weight, thermal conductivity, strength, and total cost, cases, trays, handles, fixturing, and other devices made from aluminum are all preferable to those made from stainless steel or plastic. However, the cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization protocols commonly used by central service stations in hospitals and clinics worldwide can be highly corrosive to aluminum. Articles can lose their original finish and, eventually, their usefulness--a costly downturn."

Unlike amorphous anodic coatings, the corrosion barrier created by Micralox's microcrystalline structures protects aluminum medical devices from corrosion. In addition to increasing parts' total service life, the coating maintains all of the important characteristics of sulfuric acid anodizing, the company says.

Micralox allows aluminum to serve as an alternative to more expensive materials used in high-pH solutions and superheated steam conditions. It also provides a less expensive option for surgical cases and other medical products that must undergo disinfection and repeated cleaning.