MATERIALS | MEDICAL
the medical device market, according to US-based Foster Corporation. “This involves a big growing segment of wearables and portables, where patients now monitor their health not only with portable devices from home, but also on their wrists,” says Larry Johnson, Vice-President Business Development. “Medical device companies are recognising the trend and, more often, we are seeing developments involving convenient devices that can be used outside of hospitals.” He continues: “Miniaturisation is also a major
Above: Compounds from RTP Company can be specifically formulated to provide strength, durability, wear resistance, and more for surgical robotics systems, monitors and instruments
tors and tablets, for example, the plastic housings and components can become brittle and crack. This is driving the need for plastics that can withstand these harsh chemicals,” said Williams. “Drug delivery devices also require new solu-
tions. Smart, wearable drug devices can include internal components that need to resist electrical interference, so plastics with EMI shielding are required. And more advanced drug delivery pens require new lubricious plastics to minimise the sticking of the needle for patient comfort and more even flow of drug disbursement.” As a custom compounder, RTP Company says
that it develops specific solutions for customers, supporting them through material selection, product development and regulatory changes, for example. The company adds that its expertise includes a broad spectrum of material solutions, including lubricious and wear-resistant compounds, more chemically resistant alloys, conductive plastic technologies, TPE medical grades, and proprietary thermoplastic technology with functional additives for radio opacity, laser welding, and laser marking. In order to meet the need for plastics that can
resist damage caused by harsh chemicals, RTP developed a product called RTP HC-2000 that withstands these aggressive cleaners. The HC-2000 Series is available in a UL V-0 version, and is superior to PC/ABS and PC/PBT blends in terms of chemical resistance, the company says. This material reduces cracked housings and returned devices for OEMs. For manufacturers of drug delivery devices, RTP Company adds that it has formulated a range of EMI shielding compounds and lubricious, wear-resistant compounds to solve a variety of issues for wearable devices and injection pens. The use of electronics is increasingly permeating
38 INJECTION WORLD | January/February 2020
trend as medical devices are getting smaller in order to get closer to the body areas that need therapy. A consequence of this trend for plastics compound functionalisation is making sure that particle sizes of inputs are ‘in-line’ with the size requirements of the products being made. Addi- tionally, as medical devices become more sophisti- cated, the demand for strong quality systems, regulatory compliance, bio-regulatory information and other services are the minimum requirements for suppliers of the industry.” There is also a need for more durable, chemical-
resistant materials. “Devices, such as medical equipment housings, are now exposed to more frequent washing and cleaning to deter the spread of infections,” adds Johnson. “Hospitals are using thorough cleaning procedures and products which could significantly affect the integrity of the device housing. In the wearable [tech] space, devices are exposed to grease, oils, soaps and creams, for example, hence the chemical resistance still plays a big role in that segment.” The company adds that an adjunct to the trend
in miniaturisation in injection moulding is micro- moulding. While devices are getting smaller, the requirements for precision are also increasing. This means materials must flow adequately and provide the required part precision. In addition, filler and functionality particle sizes must also allow part filling and precision requirements as well. Customised procedures are looking to personal- ise the whole patient treatment spectrum. This includes anything from customised prostheses that will fit perfectly in the patient’s body to bioresorb- able materials that target specific reabsorption rates. In addition, laser marking, electrical conduc- tivity, specific permeability and functional colour indication are common issues that require new material solutions; while complying with stringent regulatory requirements and allowing for injection and micro-injection moulding processability. Secondary processes also require a choice of resins with appropriate ‘surface energy’ to allow proce- dures such as welding, bonding and printing.
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IMAGE: RTP COMPANY
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