28 - Michael Muchin - Business Director at Avery Dennison Medical

In this episode, Steve Davis sits down with Michael Muchin, Business Director at Avery Dennison Medical, to explore the complexities of wearable medical devices and stick-to-skin adhesives. Michael shares insights into the human factors that influence adhesive performance (such as skin type, age, activity level, and placement on the body) and explains why there's no one-size-fits-all solution. The conversation covers misconceptions designers often have, the importance of testing, and how Avery Dennison guides design teams through early development with tailored sample kits and wear study protocols.

The episode also breaks down the construction of wearable adhesives, including the skin layer, tie layer, and overpatch materials. Michael defines key adhesive metrics like tack, shear, and peel, and explains how they influence design decisions based on device weight and placement. He emphasizes the role of the tie layer in bonding different materials and the need for customization depending on application requirements. Throughout the discussion, Michael highlights Avery Dennison’s collaborative approach to helping customers validate and scale their designs effectively.