Originally Published EMDM January/February 2002
MATERIALS
Cost-conscious device OEMs targeted for new styrenic polymer
A clear impact-modified SMMA copolymer with enhanced stiffness and heat deflection temperature reportedly delivers toughness and clarity at a lower total moulding cost than acrylic, polycarbonate, and clear ABS resins. Zylar 94-568 was introduced at K 2001 by Nova Chemicals (Fribourg, Switzerland).
"Zylar 94-568 is designed for applications in which impact resistance and elongation strength are needed and stiffness is essential," says Greg Wilkinson, business director for the company's NAS and Zylar family of materials. It represents an attractive alternative material for manufacturers of mature products seeking cost- efficiencies, he adds. "In the early stages of a product's life cycle, the tendency is to overengineer the device. Later on, OEMs often will take a second look at their device and realize they don't need all of that strength . . . that they're using aerospace technology where it really isn't required," says Wilkinson. "That's where Zylar comes in. It doesn't have all of the strength of polycarbonate, but it may have enough to satisfy your needs."
Because it processes like a styrenic, Zylar is easier to work with than polycarbonate and thus reduces utility costs and increases cycle times, according to Wilkinson. The material is alcohol resistant and withstands gamma and EtO sterilization. Parts made of the material can be solvent welded. Current applications include Yankauer suction wands and IV components.
The company also announced during the show that the material had successfully completed ISO 10993 testing requirements. "By meeting the ISO standard, Nova can help OEMs accelerate the approval process," says Wilkinson.
Norbert Sparrow
Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer
