Chaska, Minn. Formacoat, a trusted leader in medical device coating services for more than 25 years, has announced the launch of HydroMark™, its proprietary platform of hydrophilic coatings, marking a major milestone in the company’s evolution from contract coating application to full-service coating service innovator.
HydroMark™ debuted at MD&M West 2026, where Formacoat showcased the new coatings to medical device OEMs and CMOs seeking high-performance, reliable, and scalable hydrophilic solutions.
The HydroMark™ platform reflects a strategic expansion for Formacoat, which has historically focused on coating application and contract manufacturing services. Formacoat has invested significantly in coating research and development infrastructure, manufacturing capabilities, and scientific talent to bring its own coatings technology to market.
“These investments ensure we can innovate, qualify, and manufacture coatings with speed, reproducibility, and scalability,” added Mark Gross, CEO. “HydroMark™ is not just a product launch – it’s a long-term coating technology platform.”
“For over two decades, Formacoat has been known for helping customers select, validate, and apply the right coating technologies for their devices,” said Todd Paulsen, Vice President at Formacoat. “With HydroMark™, we are taking the next step – bringing our own coating technology platform to market desperate for something that has fantastic lubricious properties, applied by a partner with almost 25 years of experience, that doesn’t have the financial burden from royalties or corporate mergers.
Designed for performance, built for manufacturing
HydroMark™ hydrophilic coatings are engineered to deliver consistent lubricity, durability, and application flexibility across a wide range of medical devices, including catheters, guidewires and films, ranging from simple to complex geometries. The platform includes thermal-cured options, allowing device manufacturers to align coating selection with device materials, production workflows, and regulatory requirements.
Key features of the HydroMark™ Platform:
- Thermal Cured Hydrophilic
- Low, consistent coefficient of friction for enhanced device navigation
- Robust adhesion and durability under demanding use conditions
- Expanding innovation revolving around surface properties, various polymers and curing methodologies
- Backed by Formacoat’s in-house coating application, qualification, and scale-up expertise
The option of an independent choice
The launch of HydroMark™ comes at a pivotal moment for the medical device coatings industry.
“Customers are telling us they want choice, flexibility, and supply-chain resilience,” added Mark Gross, CEO. “HydroMark™ gives OEMs access to a new, independent hydrophilic coating platform – supported by a partner that already understands how to apply, qualify, and manufacture coated devices at scale. Our goal is to give customers a new option, backed by deep technical application expertise and manufacturing credibility.”
Formacoat’s unique position as both a coating applicator, and now a coating developer, enables OEMs and CMOs to access the HydroMark™ proprietary coating platform while maintaining flexibility in supplier strategy, qualification pathways, and long-term sourcing models.
About Formacoat
Founded more than 25 years ago, Formacoat is a leading medical device contract manufacturer specializing in advanced coating application and process development. Headquartered in Chaska, Minnesota, Formacoat partners with medical device OEMs –from startups to global leaders – to enhance device performance through expert coating selection, application, and manufacturing excellence.
To learn more about the extensive coating solutions Formacoat offers for medical devices, download the document below.
