The Process

TUA Systems’ innovative cleaning and coating process sets the bar in the industry with consistent application time after time producing dependable results with its custom line of prolific coatings.

Our Two-Step

Process

An icon of a hand holding a drop of water with a medical cross inside the drop, and a stack of towels or cloths in the background.

1. CLEANING

All parts to be coated are first inspected using ISO 9001-2015 standards and a refined in-house process that eliminates any microbial endotoxins or other foreign substances that may have gotten onto the parts during shipping or introduction into a new environment

2. COATING

Depending on the size, volume, configuration, substrate, or mechanical characteristics, all parts to be coated are either sprayed or dipped. TUA formulas contain hydro/halocarbons, which, after application, 'flash,' resulting in a covalent bond between the formulas and the substrate. Coating thickness ranges are available from .003″ to .000125″, and can be applied to both inner and outer surfaces of catheters and tubing. The thickness of TUA formulas is completely dependent on the formula applied and the original substrate of the device coated.

A minimalist illustration of water droplets, with three droplets overlapping each other.

WHAT IS HYDRO-SILK™

Hydro-Silk™ is a true hydrophilic coating, increasing lubricity in the dry state by as much as 90%. When introduced into a fluid environment, the coating will increase lubricity by as much as 400%. Hydro-Silk™ can be custom blended to meet lubricity requirements of each individual customer device.

Unlike competitive hydrophilic coatings, Hydro-Silk™ does not add rigidity or a significant thickness to the device. Coating thickness ranges are available from .003″ to .000125″, and can be applied to both inner and outer surfaces of catheters and tubing. Hydro-Silk™ will not flake, crack or bubble; a clear coating that can be sterilized by gamma, E-beam or ETO methods.

Hydro-Silk™ has a wide range of applications to include stainless steel; Teflon®, plastic or nickel titanium guidewires; stylets; trocars; catheters and other devices where ease of insertion and manipulation are extremely important.

Light blue and black geometric abstract shape

WHY IS THE PROCESS IMPORTANT

TUA’s process ensures a consistent application without restriction of quantity. The result is a quantifiable advantage to timeliness of product cycle through efficient operations from receipt to shipment and single run quality. Product post-coating is simplified, as the covalent bond created allows for ease of handling without special packaging or direction. Subsequently, ease of use is also enhanced as the focus is purely on the benefits attained – and ultimately, shows the TUA advantage.