Originally Published EMDM May/June 2002
MATERIALS
Elastomers offer look and feel of PVC and latex
At the MD&M West show, a supplier of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) for the medical industry introduced a new line of TPEs designed for applications requiring a PVC- or latex-free material. Applications for the TPEs include medical tubing, seals, gaskets, and fluid-delivery systems.
The elastomers are supplied by GLS Corp. (McHenry, IL, USA) in both injection moulding and extrusion grades. Key benefits of these grades include clarity, high temperature resistance, and good mechanical properties such as tensile strength and tear strength. The company reports that the extrusion grades were designed to offer PVC-like kink resistance and snapback action, while the moulding grade was formulated to withstand boiling. Current grades are available in hardnesses of 57, 63, and 77 Shore A, but the elastomers are fully customizable in ranges from 50 to 80 Shore A.
Benjamin Lichtman, Norbert Sparrow, Kelly Donoghue, and Zachary Turke
Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer
