Foster introduces polymers for soft touch medical devices

Foster has introduced ProFlex styrene-ethylene butylene-styrene (SEBS) for soft touch medical device applications

Styrene block copolymers (SBC’s) provide design flexibility and resilience properties similar to thermoset rubber, while maintaining desirable processing characteristics of thermoplastics, according to Foster.

Soft touch over-molding of ProFlex SEBS onto rigid thermoplastic or metal components provides a high friction, ergonomically friendly surface. 

Vibration damping and insulating properties make ProFlex SEBS ideally suited for over-moulding of medical instrument handles and grips, according to Foster.

Additionally, the company said that ProFlex SEBS polymers also have 20% lower specific gravity than other engineering thermoplastic elastomers, yielding more parts per weight.  

Foster manufactures six standard grades of ProFlex SEBS that meet USP Class VI biocompatibility standards, ranging in Shore hardness of 35A to 85A. These formulations are available in minimum order quantities of 25 pounds.

Foster said it also offers a comprehensive line of tear resistant SEBS grades, as well as a line of low friction SEBS formulation. Minimum order quantities for specialty SEBS materials begin at 50 pounds. 

Larry Johnson, vice president, Foster, said: “Although ProFlex SEBS polymers are ideal for non-slip medical device applications, traditional suppliers require several hundred pound minimum orders. This can be prohibitive for prototyping medical components which require only 25 pounds for evaluation. 

“Our low minimum order quantities and 24 hour shipment turnaround on standard grades allow engineers to quickly and economically evaluate new designs.”

ProFlex SEBS is suitable for use in conventional injection moulding and extrusion equipment.