GWX

Specialty Automated Coating System

The GWX coating system is specially designed for long-length devices with relatively low column strength, such as guide wires or small diameter catheters. These characteristics can make these products particularly difficult to dip coat with traditional methods. GWX coaters integrate an innovative dip-coating process with UV cure, heat cure, or both in a single compact unit. Highly automated and hands-free, the system allows 12 devices to be loaded at once via a removable cassette. Modular construction allows you to select the predesigned feature packages and automation level required for your application without the long lead times and high costs associated with custom designed equipment.

Features

Flow-Directed Dipping

Allows devices to remain straight while circulating coating solution draws devices in, solution tubes rise to immerse devices without any bending

Alignment Comb

Supports devices by maintains straightness as solution tubes rise and keeps them aligned with solution tube openings

UV & Heat Curing

Cure modules can be equipped with heat and/or UV cure based on your specific needs, enabling you to apply a heat cured primer and UV-cured hydrophilic coating in the same unit

Maintains Fluid Level

Movable dip deck, advanced solution delivery, and recirculation without the need for manual fill

Additional Features & Quick Specifications

  • 175 cm maximum device length
  • 165 cm maximum coated length
  • 12 device capacity per cassette
  • Available monitoring options include temperature, humidity and coating solution viscosity
  • 60⁰C maximum curing temperature
  • Main coater dimensions: H 112 in, W 76 in, D 36 in
  • Solution control housing dimensions: H 36 in, W 48 in, D 121 in
GWX Alignment Comb

Delicate, Dependable Dipping

Long, thin medical devices with low column strength can make dipping problematic, so it’s more effective to bring the solution to the device. With the GWX, devices remain straight while the coating solution tubes rise to immerse them. As the tubes ascend, coating solution flows through them to gently assist the devices into the solution. The module then lowers at a precise rate to accurately apply the coating. As solution is applied and consumed, the volume is automatically maintained at a consistent level.

Complete Curing Capabilities

The UV cure module produces a flood of UV light to process today’s advanced coating chemistries. Cool-operation light sources minimize heat buildup, while a built-in radiometer monitors UV intensity and signals an alarm if levels drop below a preset strength. For coatings that require thermal curing, the module can also be equipped to provide circulating, temperature-controlled heat. In coating processes that require both heat and UV curing, the module can be adapted to supply both.

All of Your Coating Needs in One Place

Every medical device is unique and bringing it to market is a major challenge. That’s why Harland’s Coatings 360 approach tailors a complete answer to your distinct product coating needs and goals. We’re the industry’s only comprehensive source for high-performance coatings, equipment and production coating services—everything you need to coat your medical device on time and within budget. We provide it all in-house, so when you partner with us, you have one resource for everything coatings.

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White Paper: 10 Essentials for a Hydrophilic Coating Program

10 essential elements to consider when selecting a coating program for medical devices such as catheters, guidewires, introducers and other devices.