When 0.060” hard coated polycarbonate is just not good enough for a medical lens application….in comes GMN and its partner to the rescue. Sotera Wireless, a leader in mobile patient monitoring medical devices, initially came to GM Nameplate via a relationship created by Dean Karousos and DD Studio. Sotera was in need of an overlay that required optical clarity, impact and chemical resistance. DD Studio is the industrial design studio that was hired by Sotera to design the overlay. Working with DD Studio and Sotera, we were able to provide a superior overlay that met all of the requirements they were in need of.
 
Sotera originally thought injection molding was the answer to create their product but ran into issues with flow around the small holes. Their new approach was to laser cut parts from sheet-stock but chemical resistance was a concern on the cut edges. In addition, acrylic laser cuts cleaner and better than polycarbonate but acrylic is not as durable as polycarbonate and is prone to chip or shatter when dropped.

What makes this part unique: “Enter Eastman’s Tritan MP 100,” a proprietary impact resistant copolyester chemistry. The Eastman copolyester provides a cleaner laser cut edge than polycarbonate, and Eastman can provide it in 0.060” thick sheets. Finally, Exxene, a leader in coating technologies, contributed Fexform 200, their proprietary hard coat.

This part is produced with the collaboration of GMN, DD Studio, Eastman Chemical and Exxene. GMN Monroe prints the graphics and laser cuts the lenses. They also spearheaded the R&D effort to identify a metallic ink without metallic flake as any metal content in the ink would interfere with IR scanner readings. The set of parts that we produced are then shipped to Sotera for assembly.

Sotera Wireless was overwhelmingly pleased with GM Nameplate’s innovation by providing a cost effective solution not only with design ideas but also technology solutions. Sotera recognizes GMN as a leader in medical manufacturing and is looking forward to developing future programs focusing on the value -added capabilities that GMN can bring to the table.