Laminate housings for medical devices

We design and manufacture housings for medical devices. We are aware that such housings must meet stringent safety standards and be highly durable, which is why our products are made of polyester-glass laminate.

Housings made of this material meet all the parameters required for contact with medical devices. It is a highly durable material, resistant to mechanical and chemical damage, ensuring a long service life for medical equipment. It is highly resistant to scratches and cracks. It is lightweight, does not put additional strain on the device, and does not interfere with its operation.

 

The use of laminate in various types of medical devices.

Polyester-glass laminate housings for medical devices are used in many areas of modern medical technology. Laminate combines durability, chemical resistance and ease of moulding, making it suitable for use in both diagnostic and therapeutic devices' structures. This material is suitable for the production of control panels, laboratory equipment housings, and covers for sterilisation and air purification devices. Its versatility allows it to be used in equipment designed for intensive use, including in environments that require strict hygiene standards to be maintained.

The advantage of this solution is the ability to produce elements with complex shapes that perfectly fit the interior of the device and its functions. The absence of welding or screwing individual parts translates into better tightness and aesthetics of the final product. Additionally, laminate allows for the integration of handles, cable grommets, or control panels already at the moulding stage. As a result, polyester-glass laminate housings for medical devices meet the requirements of manufacturers seeking solutions that combine functionality with durability.

 

Laminate as a solution for mobile medical devices

In the context of the growing popularity of mobile solutions, composite structures are playing an increasingly important role. Mobile X-ray machines, vital signs monitors and ultrasound systems require a lightweight yet stable structure that does not compromise their performance. This is precisely why polyester-glass laminate housings for mobile medical devices are so popular among manufacturers of portable technology. They reduce the weight of the device without affecting its resistance.

In addition, laminates provide freedom to design shapes that comply with ergonomic principles. They allow for easy movement of equipment between rooms, even in difficult working conditions – for example, in ambulances or hospital emergency departments. Integrated design solutions have a positive impact on the comfort of medical staff. Where reliability and mobility are important, laminate enclosures for medical devices prove to be a material that surpasses traditional metal technologies.

 

How does laminate affect the weight of medical devices?

Reducing the total weight of the device is not only a practical consideration, but also a logistical one. Lower weight means lower transport costs, easier movement of equipment within medical facilities, and less strain on load-bearing structures. Medical device housings made of polyester-glass laminate weigh significantly less than their metal counterparts, making them more practical for everyday use.

It is also worth noting that low weight does not mean compromises in design. Laminate provides adequate rigidity and stability, allowing the equipment to maintain its operating parameters without the risk of deformation or damage during intensive use. Furthermore, this material effectively dampens vibrations and noise, which is particularly important in the context of devices requiring precise operation in sensitive clinical environments. 

 

Production costs of laminate housings in medicine

In the medical industry, not only technical parameters are important, but also cost efficiency. Composite moulding technology enables the production of complex geometries without the need for expensive steel moulds. Laminate housings for medical devices offer attractive value for money, especially for small and medium-sized production runs.

The technological process of lamination allows for a reduction in the number of production stages, which translates into savings in time and raw materials. At the same time, laminate does not require additional protective layers or anti-corrosion coatings, which reduces the maintenance costs of the finished product. Compared to traditional technologies such as CNC machining or plastic injection moulding, laminates are competitive in terms of both budget and design flexibility. It is also worth noting that laminate housings are easy to modify in terms of design. This allows you to respond quickly to market needs without incurring additional costs associated with rebuilding the entire production line.

 

Surface properties of medical device housings and sterility.

In a clinical environment, the surface of the housing has a direct impact on patient and staff safety. We finish our device housings with specialised medical-grade gelcoat coatings. Their smooth, non-porous structure prevents the adhesion and proliferation of microorganisms and the formation of biofilm. Crucially, these coatings are highly resistant to aggressive disinfectants and sterilising agents used in medical facilities, such as alcohol-, chlorine- or hydrogen peroxide-based solutions. The uniform, seamless laminate structure eliminates gaps and nooks, facilitating the maintenance of the highest standards of hygiene.

 

EMI/RFI shielding for the protection of sensitive medical equipment

Modern medical devices are packed with sensitive electronics, whose proper functioning can be disrupted by electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). Standard laminate is transparent to electromagnetic waves, but we are able to give it shielding properties. During the production process, we integrate specialised conductive materials into the composite structure, such as carbon fibre fabrics, metallised meshes, and nickel and copper-based coatings. The housings thus prepared forms an effective Faraday cage, protecting the internal components from external interference and at the same time limiting the device's own emissions, which is crucial for meeting electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards.

 

How do housings protect the electronics of medical equipment?

Effective dissipation of heat generated by electronic components is essential to ensure the stability and long service life of the equipment. We collaborate with the customer's engineers as early as the housing design stage in order to optimise heat management. We incorporate the integrated ventilation grilles, air inlets and outlets with appropriate geometry, as well as internal chambers and ducts to ensure proper air circulation in the structure. The low thermal conductivity of the laminate itself prevents hot spots from forming on the surface of the casing, increasing the safety of the device. Our design approach ensures that the housing becomes an active part of the device's cooling system.

 

Precision of workmanship and dimensional stability throughout the product life cycle.

Medical equipment requires all components to fit together perfectly. We guarantee the highest precision and dimensional repeatability of our products, which we achieve by using moulds and master models made using CNC milling technology. This allows very narrow manufacturing tolerances to be maintained. Unlike some thermoplastics, cured polyester-glass composite is characterised by negligible shrinkage and excellent dimensional stability over a long service life. Laminate medical device housings do not deform under the influence of temperature or humidity changes, ensuring consistent and secure mounting for sensitive electronic modules, displays and connectors throughout the entire life cycle of the machine.