Press release -
Platinum plating for medical technology: PLATUNA® PT electrolyte demonstrates exceptional suitability
The demands placed on surfaces in medical technology are high. And with good reason, because they determine the functionality and safety of implants, sensors, and other instruments—and thus the success of medical procedures. High-quality platinum coatings can meet the specific requirements of the industry. One example of this is the PLATUNA® PT electrolyte coating, which has already proven itself in technical applications. The significant increase in inquiries at Umicore MDS (Metal Deposition Solutions) indicates that this electrolyte has already established itself in this field.
Platinum – the precious metal of choice for medical technology
The precious metal platinum impresses with its chemical inertness, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, temperature and dimensional stability, and excellent electrical conductivity. Unfortunately, these properties are often only partially realized due to inadequate platinum plating—the quality of the plating is decisive for maintaining the relevant platinum properties and thus the performance of the end product.
PLATUNA® PT sets new standards
PLATUNA® PT is a highly developed, pure platinum electrolyte that has been specially designed for technical applications. It is based on a strongly acidic solution with a comparatively low sulfuric acid content. This makes it less aggressive towards the substrate to be coated and allows easier application on sensitive or supposedly non-activatable materials. This also allows direct deposition on niobium, which is frequently used in medical technology. Deposition takes place at a rate of approximately 0.13 µm/min at 5 A/dm² – regardless of the current density. This property enables uniform layer distribution, even with complex geometries. This is advantageous in the manufacture of miniaturized components.
The deposited layers consist of 99.9 percent platinum, are highly polished, crack-free, and have a density of 21.4 g/cm³. The hardness is around 350 HV. Together with platinum's low reactivity with other materials, this makes the layers very resistant and enables a long service life (even in the human body, if necessary). The achievable layer thickness of up to 50 µm—an exceptional value in electrolytic processes—not only extends durability but also allows for certain freedoms in terms of partial differences in thickness and the integration of microstructures.
High-quality platinum surface in practice
PLATUNA® PT has proven useful in a wide range of medical technology applications:
- For example, in sensors for pH, glucose, oxygen, or ECG measurement, a coated, smooth, and non-porous surface improves signal quality. In addition, high electrical conductivity and chemical inertness ensure reliable measurement results even during long-term applications in the body.
- Coated implants in pacemakers or neurostimulators have long-lasting electrical contacts, for example for controlling electrical impulse transmission, and are biocompatible.
- In catheter technology, platinum markers are used to enable the precise positioning of catheters under X-ray control. In addition, electrodes in ablation catheters or stimulation systems benefit from the high conductivity and corrosion resistance of the coating.
- Connecting elements in medical devices have a stable, corrosion-resistant contact surface with low contact resistance thanks to the coating. This means that they are not impaired even by frequent plugging and unplugging or sterile conditions.
- In laboratory and analysis technology, coated electrodes for measuring systems or microfluidic sensors enable precise and reproducible electrochemical measurements.
- Coated surgical instruments ensure maximum dimensional stability and are therefore ideal for demanding and precise applications. Their smooth, high-gloss finish also makes them easier to clean and sterilize.
Process-reliable handling
Another argument in favor of PLATUNA® PT is its simple and process-reliable handling. “The electrolyte is extremely durable, shows no precipitation, and can be transported and stored without any problems—even without cooling,” explains Martin Stegmaier, head of the responsible department. This is one advantage of the electrolyte that is particularly important for industrial manufacturers. It allows larger quantities to be stored, which in turn enables forward-looking cost calculations – especially for series production over a longer period of time.
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About Umicore Metal Deposition Solutions
Umicore's Business Unit Metal Deposition Solutions (MDS) is part of Umicore Group. The business unit harbors two business lines Electroplating and Thin Film Products. MDS is one of the world's leading suppliers of products for (precious) metal-based coating of surfaces in the nano and micrometer range – with the expertise of the two areas, we combine the two highest-quality processes: electroplating and PVD coatings.
MDS's solutions are used in many products for everyday use, and in some cases their production would not be possible without them. Almost all well-known manufacturers in the electronics, automotive, optics and jewellery industries purchase components that have been coated with our Umicore products, either directly or indirectly.
In addition to development and production, Metal Deposition Solutions offers a comprehensive service for its products. This includes not only advice and technical support on site, but also recycling and precious metal management.
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