Revolutionizing RFID Tag Attachment for Surgical Instruments with LOCTITE® 402™

The Challenge: Inefficient and Unreliable Bonding

A leading global medical device manufacturer encountered persistent issues in the process of attaching RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags to surgical instruments. These tags are critical for tracking instruments throughout their lifecycle, ensuring traceability, and improving operational efficiency in healthcare environments.

However, the epoxy-based adhesive they were using created significant obstacles:

• A messy and complex mixing process
• Long fixture and cure times
• Difficulty in applying the adhesive precisely
• Weak bond performance after repeated autoclave sterilizations

These inefficiencies not only slowed down production but also compromised product reliability and traceability—vital factors in surgical environments.

The Breakthrough: LOCTITE® 402™ Ultra Performance Instant Adhesive

To resolve these challenges, the manufacturer turned to LOCTITE® 402™, an ultra-performance instant adhesive designed for demanding medical applications. This one-part adhesive cures at room temperature and delivers rapid handling strength, significantly reducing process time and complexity.

Key features of LOCTITE® 402™ include:

• Exceptional bond strength to both metal surgical instruments and polymer RFID tags
• High resistance to temperature, including durability under repeated autoclave cycles at 110°C
• Enhanced impact resistance, protecting the assembly from damage due to drops or handling
• ISO 10993-tested biocompatibility, ensuring safe use in both disposable and reusable medical devices

The Results: Enhanced Productivity, Reliability, and Safety

The implementation of LOCTITE® 402™ brought immediate and measurable improvements:

• Increased productivity through a fast, one-step bonding process—no mixing, no metering
• Greater reliability due to superior temperature resistance and bond strength
• Improved accuracy in adhesive application, made even more efficient with semi-automated dispensing equipment
• Reduced waste, thanks to the simplified, one-part formula

With these enhancements, the manufacturer was able to streamline their RFID tagging process, improving both throughput and end-product quality.

The Takeaway: Smart Adhesives for Smarter Medical Devices

LOCTITE® 402™ showcases how next-generation adhesives can drastically enhance manufacturing performance in the medical sector. By simplifying application, improving durability, and ensuring regulatory compliance, LOCTITE® 402™ empowers manufacturers to deliver safer, more reliable surgical instruments.

For any medical device manufacturer looking to upgrade bonding solutions in high-performance environments, LOCTITE® 402™ offers a proven path forward.