Medical
Olin Brass copper alloy products can be found in the electronic components of analytical and diagnostic medical equipment. Somers Thin Strip also supports the medical industry in the manufacture of stainless steel alloys, which require tight tolerances and distinctive process protocols to meet demanding property requirements such as deep drawability. This characteristic is important for products such as hypodermic needles and EKG studs.
Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency approved the registration by the Copper Development Association for copper and copper alloys to make public health claims as being Antimicrobial. These claims acknowledge the fact that copper is inherently capable of neutralizing potentially harmful viruses and bacteria. A number of different bacteria and viruses have been tested inlcuding: Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Legionella pneumophila, and the widely known "super-bug" Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). For more information on copper for antimicrobial applications please visit www.copper.org or contact Olin Brass Market Development Engineering to discuss specific applications.