Foam Tapes for Medical Adhesive Applications
Medical-grade adhesives are an integral part of modern healthcare. Care providers use medical foam tape to seal sanitized devices, cushion patients and devices during treatment, and manage fluids for long-term-wear wound dressings.
The versatility of foam tapes when used in medical applications is driving a dramatic increase in their manufacture. According to a report by Technology Assessment Associates, hospitals currently invest $44 billion each year in medical-grade adhesives. The market for this product continues to grow at a rate of 12% each year.
In a variety of medical settings, medical foam tape is replacing permanent bonding methods like rivets, screws, and welding. This allows for greater flexibility and better patient outcomes.
The Benefits of Medical-Grade Adhesives
The Benefits of Medical-Grade Adhesives
The unique properties that foam tapes bring to medical applications make them ideal for a number of care-related purposes:
- Medical adhesives are lightweight, soft, and comfortable enough for long-term therapeutic wear
- Medical foam tapes are produced in attractive colors with durable materials
- Double-sided foam tapes offer superior adhesion and intricate bonding to safeguard and cushion medical devices
- When used next to the skin, polyethylene foam tape is a soft, comfortable, and cost-effective alternative to films and nonwoven tapes
- Medical adhesive bandages are available in high and low tacks to fit the needs of the patients (patients with sensitive skin, like seniors and newborns, generally require lower-tack products)
Medical-grade adhesives are safe and multifaceted products that can be used to replace more expensive or less comfortable adhesive options.
Materials and Applications of Medical-Grade Adhesives
Materials and Applications of Medical-Grade Adhesives
Medical-grade foams are manufactured with or without an adhesive element. These tools are also available in a variety of densities, widths, and colors. Some of the materials that manufacturers use to create medical-grade foams include:
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a lightweight yet rigid material primarily used in medical-grade containers and tubing
Polyethylene, a polymer used to manufacture plastic cups, surgical gloves, and countless other common medical accessories
Polyether, an organic compound found in implantable medical devices like stomas
Polyester, which combines organic and synthetic polymers to create a biodurable medical fiber for internal use
Neoprene, a synthetic rubber used in gloves, braces, and a number of medical devices and therapeutic tools
Single-sided foams, which add adhesive to one side of the material so the device can be used for cushioning, filling in gaps, and insulation
Double-face medical-grade foams, which allow medical professionals to mount small items, like tubes, to secure surfaces
Medical adhesives fill important roles in daily care procedures. These devices are used to:
- Pad prosthetics for a firmer and more comfortable fit
- Seal LCD screens, control panels, and keypads on medical electronics
- Attach electrodes to the skin and sealing ostomy equipment
- Dress wounds to decrease discomfort while still allowing healing
And as the industry continues to grow, researchers will continue to find new applications for medical adhesives.
NADCO: A Reliable Source for Medical-Grade Adhesives
NADCO: A Reliable Source for Medical-Grade Adhesives
NADCO carries medical-grades adhesives that maximize patient comfort, adhesion, and cushioning. Our inventory includes a diverse selection of medical foam solutions. We value our customers and show this positive regard by providing reduced lead times and consistently superior service and product quality.
Our custom capabilities set us apart from other medical-grade adhesive retailers. We provide custom-printed pressure-sensitive tapes and labels that are convenient, adaptable, and efficient. Choose from a variety of materials and treatments to create the ideal product for your medical practice. In addition, our team offers design, digital printing, prototyping, die cutting, and other services to ensure your products meet professional standards.
NADCO is your source for high-grade and flexible foam tapes for the medical industry.
Contact Us to find out more about our foam tape catalog and many other customization options.
Industries We Serve
Aerospace Industry
Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry uses adhesive tapes to hold and insulate critical components under exposure to a wide variety of harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, high moisture, fluctuating pressures, and UV radiation. To withstand the operational challenges posed by aerospace equipment, tapes must meet stringent standards and requirements for temperature resistance, flammability, low weight, and adhesion.
Automotive Industry
Automotive Industry
NADCO Tapes and Labels is a leading manufacturer of standard and custom tapes and pressure-sensitive labels. With our 35,000 square foot facility full of the latest manufacturing technology, we can create custom products for countless industries, including the automotive industry.
Contruction Industry
Contruction Industry
There are many applications for adhesive tapes on construction sites both within a structure’s interior and around the exterior, and many types of construction tapes exist that provide solutions for this industry.
Electronics Industry
Electronics Industry
Adhesive tapes are common in the electronics industry. While they’re typically used for insulation and other safety reasons, there are a number of specific applications that require different custom tapes. At NADCO, we’re proud to offer a wide range of materials and adhesive options that can be used for electronic products and applications, from masking and shielding to mounting and more. Over the years, we’ve worked with countless clients in the electronics space, and not only are we familiar with industry requirements and expectations, we’ve worked to create custom solutions for these companies.
Medical Industry
Medical Industry
Adhesive tapes used in the medical industry must meet strict medical-grade standards that often require customization. The tapes used in medical applications have the potential of being exposed to varying conditions, so they must have biocompatibility and be able to withstand intense environments.
Nuclear Industry
Nuclear Industry
At NADCO, we understand that each application is different, which is why we provide a wide range of nuclear tape and label designs, features, and customization options. We aim to enhance the safety of nuclear applications with quality adhesive solutions for every situation, from nuclear warning labels and RAD wipes to hazard tape and radioactivity indicator signage.
Personal Protective Equipment Industry
Personal Protective Equipment Industry
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a broad term that refers to the equipment used to reduce your risk of injury or illness caused by exposure to germs and dangerous working conditions. Different types of PPE are required across various industries, depending upon the unique risks posed on the job site. These include face and eye protection as well as hard hats for the construction industry.
Safety Industry
Safety Industry
Safety is a crucial aspect of any work environment. Employees need a safe work environment, and customers must be able to access products and services without undue risk. In order to establish safe facilities, many companies incorporate safety tapes.
