Cerakote for Additive Manufacturing

Hospital disinfectants including glutaraldehyde, peracetic acid, and quaternary ammonium compounds contact medical device surfaces repeatedly throughout their service life. Polymer coating provides broad chemical resistance to these agents without softening, swelling, or losing adhesion. For devices with complex geometries and moving parts, the combination of chemical resistance and flexibility means the coating survives both the chemical exposure and the mechanical movement during cleaning and disinfection procedures.

Select Cerakote formulations have been tested for biocompatibility per ISO 10993 standards. ColoradoKote works with medical device manufacturers to identify the appropriate coating series based on contact duration and tissue interaction requirements. Our quality system documents the specific formulation, lot number, and application parameters for every medical device order to support your regulatory file.

Yes. AM already enables weight-optimized geometries through topology optimization and lattice structures. Cerakote at 0.5-2 mils preserves this weight advantage while adding protection, unlike powder coat at 4-6 mils or multi-layer paint systems that add measurable weight. For racing applications where every gram matters, the AM-plus-Cerakote combination delivers both geometry optimization and surface protection at minimum weight. The thin film build also maintains the dimensional precision of aerodynamic and performance-critical surfaces.

Medical devices require thorough removal of machining fluids, particulate debris, and handling contamination before coating application. Ultrasonic cavitation reaches contaminants in the complex geometries typical of medical instruments and devices, including lumens, articulating joints, and textured surfaces. Cleaning solution is selected for biocompatibility and substrate compatibility. Verification confirms surfaces are clean to the standard required for the device classification and intended use.

Yes. Medical devices often incorporate elastomeric seals, grips, and dampening elements bonded to metal substrates. Polymer coating bridges the rubber-to-metal transition zone, providing corrosion protection on the metal while maintaining adhesion at the interface where differential thermal expansion creates stress. Rigid coatings crack at these transitions, exposing the substrate to sterilization chemicals and body fluids. Polymer coating accommodates the movement at these interfaces throughout the device service life.