Resin selection – What thermoplastic materials can PlastiCert process?

You are designing your component. Included is defining what will be required of it and what material will best meet the need.

PlastiCert has about 200 different thermoplastic resins entered into our system, meaning we have molded parts with all of them over the years. Many are specific to certain product types and industries.

For example, the primary thermoplastic resins used in medical applications are:

Polyethylene (PE) – It is cost-effective, impact- and corrosion-resistant, absorbs little water and retains its overall performance and structural integrity after frequent sterilization cycles. A porous synthetic polymer, polyethylene is biologically inert, does not degrade in the body and is often used in medical implants. PlastiCert has experience with a half dozen different versions.

Polypropylene (PP) – rugged material with a high chemical resistance. It is resistant to stress, cracking, impact, and fatigue. PlastiCert has worked with 10 different PPs over the years.

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) also known as plexiglass or acrylic, offers transparency, toughness, rigidity, and an almost perfect transmission of visible light. An ideal substitute for glass. PlastiCert has worked with a half a dozen different versions.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – used when a sterile environment is a priority, typically for disposable devices,  PlastiCert has made some disposables but only from a couple different PVC types.

Polyamide (nylon) , PlastiCert has 25 distinct types in our ERP, often used as a substitute for weaker metals because of its strength, temperature resilience and chemical compatibility.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)  – commonly used substitute for metal is structural parts that are sterilized by gamma radiation or ethylene oxide (EtO). PlastiCert has experience with over 15 different versions.

Polycarbonate (PC) – Extremely popular, PlastiCert has experience with 20 different versions of straight PC and over 30 different PC blends. It is a viable alternative to glass, relatively shatterproof, and medical grades can be sterilized using steam, gamma radiation or (EtO). Polycarbonate is lightweight, offers chemical-, electrical-, heat- and impact-resistance, stability, and high performance.

Whether your need is medical, industrial, sporting good, or any of the many other markets that we serve, we can help you. Give us a call, we can help you select a resin from one of the many we have experience with or find a new resin from the many suppliers we work with!