It’s often said that less is more. And while striving for simplicity is typically the best approach, there are exceptions to the rule.
When it comes to medical devices and equipment, sometimes you need to take the extra step (or a few) to create a multi-layer construction component. However, product design teams must be aware of the manufacturing challenges of these types of components.
A multi-layer construction combines multiple materials into one single component. Each layer has a specific purpose – and together, the construction offers added functionality, increased durability, or other advantages over a single-layer component.
In addition to featuring more than one material, a multi-layer construction typically calls for several converting processes, including cutting, slitting, laminating, and printing. Examples of multi-layer components used in the medical field include wearables, shielding tapes, and gaskets and filtration components. Of course, one of the most exciting aspects of multi-layer converting is the ability to create unique, innovative products.
Along with the benefits of multi-layer constructions come additional design and manufacturing complexities. If these challenges aren’t addressed, they could affect the quality or performance of the product.
This article isn’t intended to scare you off from incorporating a multi-layer construction component in your product. Bringing in a qualified manufacturing partner can often help you avoid these foreseeable manufacturing challenges.
At Tapecon, we have decades of experience providing outsourced manufacturing for medical devices, including complex multi-layer constructions. Our team is happy to assist with material selection to optimize your design. Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand what materials work well together – and which ones don’t.
Our converting capabilities are well-suited for multi-layer constructions. We have machines that can perform multiple processing steps in one pass – maximizing quality and reducing time and materials for production.
Simply put, we’re here to help you overcome the challenges of multi-layer construction so you can produce the best product possible.
With over 100 years of manufacturing experience, Tapecon works with product teams to solve challenges, create products, and enhance lives. Learn more about our outsourced manufacturing services.