Membranes for OEM Applications

Our primary mission is to equip scientists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries with the filtration products to transform ideas into reality.  We support this goal by working to offer the broadest range of microporous membrane filters available from a single source – 14 different microporous membrane types and their derivatives.  Primarily used as disc filters, these membranes enable cutting edge research in laboratories worldwide.  But what happens when ideas do turn into reality? Don’t worry, Sterlitech still has you covered. We offer most of our membranes in formats conducive to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) production including large sheets and roll stock.

With exceptional lot to lot consistency and a wide variety of options, our polycarbonate and polyester track-etch membranes have proven remarkably versatile for incorporation into a broad array of OEM devices.  These include devices for rapid cytology of tissue and tumor samples, such as the Seq-Well.  Specialized transparent and tissue culture treated versions are used in multi-well plates and inserts. The polycarbonate track-etch (PCTE) membranes have even been incorporated into a patented device.¹ Due to inconsistent availability of polycarbonate films, Sterlitech typically recommends polyester membranes for new applications.

For OEM enclosures and housings requiring vent filters, hydrophobic laminate-supported PTFE membrane filters are conveniently available as rolls of liner-mounted discs with perimeter pressure sensitive adhesive. With reasonable minimum order quantities, the disc size, adhesive annulus, and membrane grade can be optimized for each application. These filters allow movement of air while retaining particles and repelling liquid water. The applications are virtually unlimited and we have seen them used as vents in electronic device enclosures, cell phones, automotive light assemblies, goggles, and liquid containers and vial caps. Of course, the laminated PTFE membranes are also available in rolls at custom widths for OEMs who prefer other bonding techniques such as thermal welding.

Many of our other membrane types are commonly used in OEM devices as well. Mixed cellulose esters (MCE) membranes have a long history of use as substrates in rapid antigen diagnostic tests for strep, flu, and malaria. Silver membranes are incorporated into ready to-use cassettes for air sampling to monitor workplace exposure to halogens.  Finally, polyethersulfone (PES) and nylon membranes are used in automated environmental water samplers.  

Please reach out to us if you need assistance incorporating microfiltration membranes into your OEM devices.  Our experts are happy to provide guidance with membrane selection and usage.