Hydromer Expands into Equipment Manufacturing to Provide Integrated Coating Solutions

Hydromer, Inc. announced its expansion into the manufacturing and global supply of automated high-speed coating and UV curing equipment, marking a significant development in the medical device manufacturing sector. This strategic move allows the company to provide a comprehensive, end-to-end solution by integrating its proprietary hydrophilic, thromboresistant and antimicrobial coating technologies with high-performance machinery. The integrated platform enables manufacturers to correlate process parameters directly with performance outcomes, supporting compliance with ISO 13485 and FDA Quality System Regulations (21 CFR Part 820).

The company's expanded equipment platform includes several key systems designed to enhance manufacturing efficiency. The Hydrophilic Coating Equipment delivers uniform coating application and UV curing with minimal manual intervention, while the Automated High-Throughput Coating System features a modular design comprised of load, dip coating and UV curing workstations. This fully automated configuration is designed to be operated by a single operator to increase production rates and reduce reliance on manual labor. Additionally, the platform includes Friction Testing Equipment designed for lubricity tests with precise and repeatable measurements to support performance evaluation and quality control.

Michael Torti, CEO of Hydromer, emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion, stating that by manufacturing and supplying the equipment used to apply the company's industry-leading hydrophilic coatings, Hydromer eliminates technical barriers and helps clients reduce time to market while maintaining the highest standards of quality and regulatory confidence. This approach addresses critical challenges in medical device manufacturing where consistency, quality control, and regulatory compliance are paramount considerations for manufacturers operating in highly regulated environments.

The expansion represents a natural evolution for Hydromer, which has focused on coating performance and manufacturing consistency for over 40 years. By controlling both the coating formulations and the application equipment, the company can optimize the entire coating process from start to finish. This vertical integration allows for better quality assurance, more consistent results, and reduced variability in the manufacturing process. The equipment is designed to work seamlessly with Hydromer's proprietary coatings, ensuring optimal performance and reliability for medical device manufacturers who require precise, repeatable coating applications for their products.

This development is particularly significant given the increasing demand for automated manufacturing solutions in the medical device industry, where precision, consistency, and regulatory compliance are critical factors. The ability to provide both the coatings and the application equipment as an integrated solution addresses a key need in the market, potentially reducing the complexity and risk associated with implementing new coating technologies. Manufacturers can now access a complete system rather than piecing together components from multiple suppliers, which can streamline implementation and reduce potential compatibility issues. The equipment's design for single-operator control also addresses labor efficiency concerns while maintaining the precision required for medical device manufacturing applications.