Originally Published EMDM
May/June 2004
Industry News
Modified Acrylic Positioned as Low-Cost Alternative to PolycarbonateMelody Lee
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| A modified acrylic material can be used to produce tubing connectors and other medical products. |
It has the look and feel of polycarbonate (PC), but not the price point. A modified acrylic material produced by Resirene S.A. (Bosques de las Lomas, Mexico), it is about one-half the cost of PC. It may be suited as a replacement for PC in some medical applications, according to Len Czuba, president of
Czuba Enterprises (Lombard, IL, USA).
Czuba’s company takes medical products from concept to market. It is exploring the use of the styrene methylmethacrylate copolymer CET-116 in medical device manufacturing for a client. Until now, the resin has been limited to the housewares and automotive industries. Ice-cube trays and refrigerator shelves are common applications.
But that is selling the material short, says Czuba. “It could be used [almost] anywhere where high-cost materials are used,” he says, with the exception of harsh environments. High-volume trays, diagnostic disposables, multiple-weld products, and tubing connectors are among the possible medical uses, adds Czuba.
The USP Class VI material features clarity, heat and scratch resistance, and mechanical strength. It can be processed using injection moulding or extrusion equipment.
For more information, contact Resirene S.A., Bosque de Ciruelos 180, 11700 Col. Bosques de las Lomas, Mexico D.F.; phone: +52 5 7232800; fax: +52 5 7232828; Internet:
www.resirene.com.mx.
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