High-performance materials enabling the future of connected care
Advancing healthcare diagnostics through material innovation
Maestro is a breakthrough in material innovation, showcasing how Covestro's advanced materials enable smarter, more sustainable solutions at the intersection of healthcare and electronics. The device marries IMSE® (In-Mold Structural Electronics) technology with Makrolon® polycarbonate and other high-performance materials from Covestro. By embedding electronics and structure in a single part, IMSE® maximizes resource efficiency, design flexibility, and reliability. This allows for intuitive and illuminated seamless smart surfaces for various human to machine interface (HMI) controls.
The Maestro combines advanced functionality with more sustainable design and electronic integration, making it ideal for today’s clinical and home healthcare applications. It shows how material science drives smarter, more connected healthcare solutions.
Material-driven advantages for modern diagnostics
Maestro offers a range of material-driven advantages including a seamless design aesthetic that is easy to clean and maintain. Makrolon® Dx polycarbonate provides optical clarity that helps deliver improved molecular diagnostics. The device features electronics integration that enables a better user experience with touch screen functionality and embedded connectivity. Additionally, it offers enhanced chemical resistance built to withstand certain aggressive disinfectants used in hospitals, labs, and homes, as well as providing next generation flame-retardant protection in response to evolving regulatory requirements.
Sustainability by design
Enhancing sustainability was top-of-mind in designing Maestro. Covestro’s healthcare RE portfolio, which features materials with an attributed lower carbon footprint, helps reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance.¹ Maestro’s thoughtful design makes it easy to take apart with its design-for-disassembly approach with laser un-welding, simplifying recycling and component separation.
¹Covestro's healthcare RE portfolio achieves attributed lower carbon footprints via mass-balanced bio-waste and residue-derived raw materials plus renewable electricity where feasible. Environmental impact claims are measurable and verifiable while preserving material performance.
Collaborative innovation
Covestro worked with industry leaders across design, electronics, and manufacturing to develop the demonstrative device. Bally Design was responsible for industrial design and user interface development, creating the form factor and visual assets. TactoTek contributed the IMSE® technology used in the design of the top cover assembly, enabling smart surface design with high performance materials. Hellbender developed and assembled the hardware and software, enabling the device's electronic functionality. Dukane provided laser welding technology, which supports seamless aesthetics and enables design for disassembly. Parallel Fluidics produced the microfluidic chips that enable Maestro's diagnostic capabilities.
Through close collaboration, we delivered an innovative solution that not only meets the rigorous demands of modern diagnostics but also is thoughtfully designed with real patients and providers in mind.
Key benefits
- Seamless: Laser welding joining technology enables easy cleaning and maintenance.
- Integrated: Electronics embedded within the design for better user experience and connectivity.
- Innovative: Combines non-invasive measurement with low fluorescence transparency.
- Durable: Enhanced chemical resistance to withstand certain aggressive disinfectants.
- More Sustainable: Lower carbon footprint materials with laser welding for easier recycling.