Corrosion-Resistant Non Magnetic Stretcher with 240 Kg Max Load and Lightweight

The Corrosion-Resistant MRI Transport Trolley is designed for harsh MRI environments where moisture, disinfectants, and humidity can quickly degrade standard equipment. Open MRI rooms often lack the strict environmental controls of closed MRI suites; mobile MRI trailers are subject to temperature and humidity swings; and some facilities use aggressive chemical disinfectants that corrode aluminum and steel. This trolley resists all of these challenges with a combination of corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings.

The frame is constructed from aluminum alloy 6061, which is naturally corrosion-resistant in most environments. However, in high-humidity or chemical-exposure settings, even 6061 can oxidize. To prevent this, the frame is coated with non-magnetic epoxy paint. The epoxy is applied electrostatically and then baked on, creating a hard, chemically resistant surface. The coating thickness is 4-6 mils (0.1-0.15 mm) and has a gloss finish that is easy to clean. The coating is available in six colors.

All fasteners are nylon or brass. Nylon fasteners are used in low-stress applications such as attaching trim panels; they are completely corrosion-proof. Brass fasteners are used in high-stress applications such as caster mounting; brass does not rust and is highly resistant to most chemicals. Each brass fastener is coated with a clear lacquer to prevent tarnishing. There are no steel fasteners anywhere on the trolley.

Castors have sealed ceramic bearings and non-magnetic stainless-steel-grade hubs. The hubs are not actually stainless steel (which can be slightly magnetic) but rather a proprietary aluminum-silicon alloy that has been certified non-magnetic by independent testing. The casters are sealed against moisture and particulate ingress – an IP67 rating, meaning they can be submerged in water for 30 minutes without damage. The caster treads are made of conductive rubber that is resistant to oils and chemicals.

The deck is polypropylene with UV stabilizers. Polypropylene is inherently resistant to most chemicals, including bleach, alcohol, and quaternary ammonium compounds. The UV stabilizers prevent the deck from becoming brittle when exposed to sunlight or UV sterilization lamps. The deck is a single-piece molding with no seams or joints where chemicals could accumulate. The deck surface is textured for slip resistance and is fluid-proof.

The trolley has been tested for resistance to 20 common hospital disinfectants, including bleach (sodium hypochlorite), hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and quaternary ammonium compounds. Testing consisted of 1,000 cycles of wiping the trolley with a cloth saturated with disinfectant, followed by inspection for corrosion, pitting, or discoloration. No significant changes were observed for any of the tested disinfectants. The trolley is also resistant to salt spray (tested to ASTM B117 for 500 hours).

No rust or galvanic corrosion develops even after repeated washdowns. Galvanic corrosion occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte (such as water). This trolley avoids galvanic corrosion by using only compatible materials: aluminum and brass are close on the galvanic series, and nylon is non-conductive. All aluminum-to-brass joints are coated with a dielectric grease before assembly.

Clinical applications include open MRI suites, which often have less rigorous environmental controls because they are designed to be less intimidating for patients. Open MRI rooms may have windows that open, allowing humid outdoor air to enter. The trolley is also ideal for mobile MRI trailers, which experience temperature swings from below freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit as they travel between locations. Veterinary MRI facilities also benefit from this trolley, as animal fluids can be more corrosive than human biological fluids.

Optional accessories include a set of corrosion-resistant side rails made of polymer-coated aluminum, a chemical-resistant mattress pad that can withstand aggressive disinfectants, and a set of color-coded bumper guards that protect the edges of the trolley. The manufacturer recommends that facilities using high-concentration bleach solutions (greater than 1:10 dilution) rinse the trolley with water after disinfection to maximize service life.