To help device manufacturers understand what defines a medical adhesive and how to specify one for their application, Intertronics has released a new white paper: ‘What is a medical adhesive? Key properties, use cases, and regulatory considerations’. The white paper explores six key characteristics that determine adhesive suitability for medical devices: adhesion, biocompatibility, sterilisation, compliance, patient contact duration, and process validation and QA.
The white paper focuses on adhesives for device assembly, rather than those used therapeutically in the body or to secure devices to a patient’s skin. It explains the importance of ISO 10993 biocompatibility testing, compatibility with sterilisation methods as part of design, and robust repeatable processes to ensure validated, reliable and compliant device assembly.
Medical adhesives play a crucial role in medical device performance and safety across the globe, of which the World Health Organisation estimates there are two million different kinds of medical devices manufactured each year. They must provide strong, durable bonds across a wide range of materials such as polycarbonate, stainless steel, and glass, while meeting stringent regulatory requirements and ensuring patient safety.
“Medical device assembly is high precision, high compliance, and high consequence. Adhesive selection and processing can be a fundamental contributor to patient safety and regulatory approval,” explained Peter Swanson, Chair at Intertronics, and author of the white paper.
“By carefully considering each of the six key characteristics, manufacturers can ensure that their adhesive not only performs well mechanically but also meets the requirements for biocompatibility, sterilisation, and compliance. Getting these decisions right from the start helps accelerate approval timelines, reduce the risk of revalidation, and ultimately deliver safer, more effective medical devices.”
Intertronics provides adhesives and the related processing equipment to medical device manufacturers, helping engineers evaluate and specify them, and providing technical and supply chain support throughout the lifetime of the production.
To understand the essential properties of medical adhesives and how they influence device performance, download the full white paper from the Intertronics website now: https://www.intertronics.co.uk/2025/07/white-paper-what-is-a-medical-adhesive/
