For medical device manufacturers looking to develop the latest innovations that comply with stringent health and safety regulations, PPSU and PEEK are the superheroes of medical grade thermoplastics.
These high-performance polymers can be used for rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing using 3D printers to increase speed to market. PPSU and PEEK can be combined with other materials covered in our earlier blogs to develop medical devices, instruments, components and implants for use in dentistry, orthopaedics and surgical fixation. Due to the properties of these materials, plastic injection moulding for volume production requires specialist processing and expert knowledge.
- Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU)
PPSU has exceptionally high temperature resistance (up to 220°C for short term exposure or 180°C for long periods) and resistance to aggressive chemicals so is suited to tough medical sterilisation processes including gamma and steam. It is also impact resistant. Applications include housings for medical devices and PPE equipment such as face masks.
PPSU is difficult to process due to its high moisture absorption rates. Here at OGM, we have a Brabender Aquatrac meter to test the polymer for moisture content before injection moulding. PPSU also requires hot tools that can withstand running temperatures of up to 200°C. Manufacturing components using PPSU requires specialist knowledge and equipment and precise control of the injection mould process.
- Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
PEEK is another relatively new polymer that requires specialist precision processing to maintain a constant high temperature across the whole cavity of the mould tool. PEEK has exceptionally high temperature resistance of 260°C with continuous use which can offer longer life, greater reliability and increased safety margins in harsh environments. It has exceptional resistance to wear, chemicals, radiation, hydrolysis and thermal degradation. In addition, it delivers electrical performance, mechanical strength and dimensional stability to finished parts.
PEEK is also biocompatible and has greater rigidity than PPSU, common applications are medical implants.
Medical injection moulding experts you can trust
We have state-of-the-art-equipment and years of experience of injection moulding the most challenging materials and delivering high quality components and assemblies to the healthcare industry. We manufacture to medical standard ISO 13485 and have an ISO 7 cleanroom (Class 10,000 cleanroom).
If you need help selecting a material for your medical components or are looking for a plastic injection moulding partner for your next project, contact our team.