The following is a brief excerpt from the article:

“By using a technology that is self cleaning, the atomizers are able to run processes without the risk of clogging. The core detriment of processing with nozzles that will clog is not when they fail, but in the event of slowly clogging, the spray characteristics are changing. Ultrasonic atomizers do not clog and therefore do not vary.

The net effect is that a properly run ultrasonic coating process maximizes stability and repeatability, thus maximizing efficient exposure of platinum.”

The full article can be found here: http://asmedl.org/dbt/dbt.jsp?KEY=JFCSAU&Volume=CURVOL&Issue=CURISS

For more information regarding Sono-Tek’s spray systems for fuel cell manufacturing, go to http://www.sono-tek.com/fuel-cell-coating-overview/ or email info@sono-tek.com.

“DCBs are still an evolving technology. The concept of delivering a spike of antiproliferative drugs to vascular tissue as a safe method of treating restenosis and artery disease has had significant preliminary success. The coatings that are applied and the methods behind application still require more development and results of current trials will need to help clarify some of the mixed messages that have been seen early on in this process.

Ultrasonic Atomization Technology is a precise spray technique that is inherently able to adapt to this specific application. Allowing almost complete separation of independent variables makes this an ideal technology for manufacturing needs from process development to mass production. Ultrasonic atomization technology has been used for DES development and production for many years and shows indications of being highly successful in this new area of medical treatment.”

The full article can be seen here:
http://www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/component/content/article/12816

For more information on Sono-tek’s MediCoat DCB coating system, go to http://www.sono-tek.com/balloon-coating/

Precision Ultrasonic Spray Fluxing System with Selective Fluxing Capability

Sono-Tek Corporation is one of the originators of ultrasonic spray fluxing technology and continues to be the industry’s leader in ultrasonic spray fluxing systems, with a full line of spray fluxing systems to suit any PCB manufacturer’s needs. Visit www.SprayFluxing.com, http://www.sono-tek.com/electronics/page/sonoflux_servo for more information or email info@sono-tek.com.

To see a video of the SonoFlux Servo WS in action, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4FaT6aits0&list=UUsjBhCR_QQaYdmq2OuHkKAQ&index=34&feature=plcp

This website change is a long term enhancement of the company’s internet capabilities and information structure, to support Sono-Tek’s rapid growth and product line expansion over the past decade. The previous website became limiting in its representation of Sono-Tek’s diverse technology offerings. A new user navigation menu has been incorporated to make it easier for visitors to find the information they need
more quickly.

“We anticipate continued growth in many of the industries we serve, with our unique ultrasonic coating systems offering spray solutions that make next generation R&D as well as more efficient and cost effective high volume manufacturing possible for companies around the globe. This new website gives us growing room as needed to ensure our technologies are presented in the most comprehensive and accurate manner on the world wide web”, said Chris Coccio, Sono-Tek’s CEO.

Visit www.Sono-Tek.com or email info@sono-tek.com for more information.

MediCoat DCB Ultrasonic Spray System Applies Thin Film Durable Drug Coatings

The latest in a full line of precision medical device coating systems, the MediCoat DCB Balloon Coating System is a fully enclosed, sealed glovebox unit designed to coat common sizes and types of Drug Coated Balloons (DCB) that can be mounted onto catheters for the purpose of drug delivery during in vivo procedures such as angioplasty.

The MediCoat Balloon Coating System is fitted with either our MicroMist or AccuMist ultrasonic atomizing nozzles. These nozzles are proven for atomizing drugs such as Paclitaxel (Taxol), Rapamycin or Heparin in drug only or drug+polymer combinations.

Most organic solvents such as THF, acetone, DMAC, toluene, chloroform and polymers including urethanes, polycarbonates, silicones and styrenes are also applied using the MediCoat system, as well as lubricious coatings. Sono-Tek has extensive expertise coating implantable stents and other precision medical devices with these solutions. The low velocity soft spray and uniform, micron sized droplets generated with Sono-Tek nozzle systems provide superior adherence to balloon surfaces without any overspray, cracking, or peeling of the coating.

Sono-Tek is world renowned for supplying precision coating technology to the medical industry in several applications – including cardiac and peripheral implantable stent coatings, blood collection tube coatings, antimicrobial coating of surgical gauze, bandages, and medical textiles, and catheter and guide wire coatings. They have been providing precision medical coating machines for over 2 decades and have helped dozens of medical device manufacturers improve their quality and throughput, including validation documentation support. For more information, go to http://www.sono-tek.com/balloon-coating/ or email info@sono-tek.com.

The MediCoat Balloon Coating System is fitted with either our MicroMist or AccuMist ultrasonic atomizing nozzles.  These nozzles are proven for applying uniform coatings of drugs such as Paclitaxel, Rapamycin, and Heparin. Sono-Tek’s MediCoat systems are also used to spray solvents including THF, acetone, DMAC, toluene, chloroform and polymers including urethanes, polycarbonates, silicones and styrenes used in advanced drug delivery applications. Sono-Tek has extensive expertise coating implantable stents and other precision medical devices with these solutions.  The low velocity soft spray and uniform, micron sized droplets generated with Sono-Tek nozzle systems provide superior adherence to balloon surfaces without any overspray, cracking, or peeling of the coating.

Sono-Tek is world renowned for supplying precision coating technology to the medical industry in several applications – including cardiac and peripheral implantable stent coatings, blood collection tube coatings, antimicrobial coating of surgical gauze, bandages, and medical textiles, and catheter and guide wire coatings. We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality medical coatings available on the market for over 2 decades. We’ve helped dozens of medical device manufacturers improve their quality and throughput, including validation documentation support. Let us prove our capabilities to you.

For more information, go to http://www.sono-tek.com/balloon-coating/ or email info@sono-tek.com. To see a video of this new system, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/sonotekcorp?feature=mhee#p/u/1/bIRdRXZqrUc.

All of Sono-Tek’s spray fluxing systems feature our patented ultrasonic spray nozzles, which offer non-clogging repeatable performance with highly uniform coatings. Manufacturers experience up to 80% reduction in flux consumption with excellent through hole penetration. Often only a monthly cleaning is required, even with rosin flux.

Contract manufacturers with frequent product changeover and high volume PCB manufacturers with dedicated lines both benefit from the savings and superior process quality achieved with ultrasonic spray. Sono-Tek has made ultrasonic spray fluxing affordable to any company looking to improve their fluxing process and cut manufacturing costs. See what our customers have to say – go to http://www.sono-tek.com/testimonials.php to read some of our customer testimonials, or visit www.sprayfluxing.com to see all of our ultrasonic spray fluxing technology. To see a video of our spray fluxing systems, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/sonotekcorp?feature=mhee#p/u/3/qQQzeYesMw4. Email inquiries to info@sono-tek.com.

Sono-Tek has over 25 years of expertise coating implantable medical devices such as stents, with anti-restinosis polymers. Our drug eluting coatings provide superior uniform coverage of delicate, complex substrates as well as wide area medical textiles such as bandages. Coatings applied include antimicrobial coatings, lubricious, hydrophilic, and a multitude of other surface enhancement coatings. Full coating solutions include fully automated systems configured in a sealed glovebox or XYZ motion programmable coating systems incorporating our ultrasonic nozzle technology to produce uniform drop sizes as small as 13 microns. We have helped hundreds of companies establish or improve their coating processes and bring the best quality medical equipment to market.

For more information about our medical device coating solutions, go to http://www.sono-tek.com/medical/subcategory/medical_device_coatings or email info@sono-tek.com. FOr more information about MD&M, go to http://www.canontradeshows.com/expo/minn11/.

See you at the show!

Sono-Tek ultrasonic coating systems provide highly durable, pinhole free catalyst coatings, with homogenous dispersion of platinum particles, creating the most effective surface area for maximum transport of reactants. This in turn has a direct effect on cell efficiency. Electrochemically active Pt surface area using ultrasonic atomization has been recorded as high as 71% of the total Pt particle surface area.

Turnkey systems for R&D tabletop coating applications and standalone fully automated spraying systems are available from Sono-Tek. For more information, go to http://www.sono-tek.com/energy/page/overview or go to http://www.sono-tek.com/energy/page/overview to see a video of Sono-Tek systems in action. Contact us by email at info@sono-tek.com.

SEM detail of catalyst coating applied with Sono-Tek ultrasonic nozzle

From hip and knee replacement implants to sutures, bandages, and gloves Sono-Tek has experience applying uniform thin films of antimicrobial coatings that offer targeted coverage and excellent adherence properties. Recently we are also seeing a jump in medical device manufacturers looking to coat catheters and balloons of various types.

For over 2 decades, Sono-Tek has been at the forefront of implantable stent coating technology, with some of the most advanced coating systems on the market. Our expertise in spraying antimicrobials and drug eluting polymers enables us to extend our technology offerings into new markets such as balloon catheter coatings and orthopedic implant coatings.

A great article in the September issue of mpomag.com, http://www.mpo-mag.com/articles/2011/09/conquering-hais-through-device-sterilization, talks at length about these sterilization issues.

For information about Sono-Tek’s medical device coating systems for balloon catheters and other applications, go to http://www.sono-tek.com/medical/page/balloon_coating, or email info@sono-tek.com.