3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids For Medical Device Manufacturing

Safe.
Sustainable.
Effective.

Advanced solvent technology for precision cleaning, lubricant deposition, tube swelling – and more.

Sustainable solvent technology for today’s emerging needs

Growing public concern about the effects of chemicals on human health, safety and the environment have led to restrictions on the use of many kinds of process solvents used by the medical device industry.

In evaluating alternatives, users of these materials must balance the need for cost-effective performance with that of a sustainable, long-term solution – a solution that will still be viable for many years to come.

3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids were designed to help you achieve that balance. Based on 3M’s proprietary segregated hydrofluoroether (HFE) chemistry, Novec fluids combine proven performance with an outstanding environmental and safety profile:

Zero ozone depletion potential
Low global warming potential
Non-flammable
Low in toxicity

Download Brochure – Novec Engineered Fluids for the Medical Device Industry

Engineered for performance, safety & the environment

3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids remain acceptable by regulatory agencies around the world as alternatives to HCFC-225 and HCFC-141b. And, because they are non-flammable, low in toxicity and are generally recognised as sustainable replacements for those solvents targeted for phase-out by international bodies, Novec fluids are ideal candidates to replace materials such as trichlorethylene (Trike), methylene chloride (dichloromethane) and n-propyl bromide (nPB).

The versatile solvent solutions

Novec fluids are available in “neat” form – for light duty cleaning, tube swelling, deposition and other applications – and as azeotropes or blends of azeotropes, which offer higher solvency for more difficult-to-remove soils. Novec fluids are also used as rinsing agents in conjunction with low volatility solvating agents. This co-solvent cleaning process is effective for the removal of the most challenging soils, such as heavy oils, greases and waxes.

Applications

Precision cleaning

3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids offer a number of advantages for manufacturers of medical devices and equipment. They have demonstrated excellent compatibility with sensitive materials such as acrylic and polycarbonate, as well as a wide range of other plastics, elastomers and metals. Their low surface tension, low viscosity and high liquid densities make Novec fluids ideal for use in vapour degreasing equipment. They are fast-drying, and typically offer lower drag-out losses than conventional degreasing solvents.

What’s more, Novec fluids easily penetrate tight spaces on complex parts, then drain off easily so they don’t become trapped in small spaces. Unlike aqueous solutions, Novec fluids do not support biological growth, and are less equipment and energy-intensive. In addition, parts cleaned in Novec fluids dry quickly and spot-free, with less chance for corrosion.

Download White Paper – Solvent Cleaning & Vapour Degreasing for MedTech Industry

Precision Cleaning Equipment

Crest Ultrasonics – The Sound Choice

Crest Ultrasonics has been a leader for over 50 years in the ultrasonic cleaning industry. Crest has been creating the standard for advanced precision cleaning equipment with a breadth of line known for its quality, long-lasting performance, and precision cleaning results. Our commitment to excellence continues with our new, highly advanced Solvac™ Vapour Degreaser systems.

Download Medtech Brochure

Cleaning with 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids

Parts	Substrates	Soils
Artificial Hearts	Polycarbonate	Machining Oils
Heart Valves	Silicone Rubber	Particulate
O-Rings	Plastics	Mould Releases
Eyeglass Lenses	Stainless Steel	Mounting Wax
Catheters	Titanium	Skin Oils
Needle Caps	Nickel/Cobalt	Buffing Compound
Endoscope Parts	Aluminum
Gel Capsules
Needles
Stents
Wires
Cables
Capillary Tubes
Orthopedic Implants
Dental Implants
Spinal Implants

Solvent cleaning vs. aqueous cleaning

Advantages of solvent cleaning with 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids vs. aqueous systems.

Easier to use with cellular manufacturing
Can be used for silicone deposition
Better solvency for organic soils
No need for waste water treatment

Reduced power consumption
No anti-corrosion additives required
Does not promote growth of bioburden

Smaller equipment “footprint”
No water spotting
No drying equipment needed

Contact us to get started

Not sure which solution is right for your application?
Brennan & Company can help!

Contact Brennan & Company for answers to any questions you may have, including guidance on choosing the correct product from the range of 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids. We also offer general application advice, product data, information on purchasing test samples and more.