New portfolio of polymers to be launched at MD&M West

Global specialty plastics provider, Eastman, will debut a new portfolio of polymers for the housing and hardware of electronic medical devices at this year’s MD&M West.

Brad Potter, marketing director, Specialty Plastics-Medical commented: “Eastman brings over 40 years of medical industry expertise to our latest iteration of Tritan MXF copolyesters.” Potter added: “We worked with OEMs to identify the attributes needed for specific product requirements and processing characteristics to enhance manufacturability.”

The collection of flame-resistant polymers for electronic medical device housings and hardware are the result of Eastman’s collaborative process. These materials offer chemical compatibility with a wide range of disinfectants which are used to combat Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) as well as improved durability and higher impact strength. Materials in the Eastman Tritan MXF portfolio claim to enable ease of processing, with lower ejection force for easier de-moulding.

According to Potter, Eastman Tritan MXF copolyesters can save money across the value chain due to reduced repairs, returns and warranty claims from device breakage, a low scrap rate and the lack of retooling necessary when changing from polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene to Tritan MXF. Additionally, using only Tritan MXF in an assembly reduces expenses associated with the use of multiple polymers which can cause discolouration and durability issues.

“Switching to Tritan MXF adds value throughout product design and commercialisation and ultimately lowers the cost of ownership,” Potter said. “Most importantly, using Tritan MXF polymers in medical device housings enables healthcare workers to clean those devices more thoroughly with proper disinfectants, ultimately reducing the incidence of HAIs and positively impacting patient outcomes.”

Eastman is hosting two Lunch and Learns at MD&M West:

1.  “Critical Material Performance Considerations for Successful Development, Design and Validation of Medical Device Packaging: A Global Perspective” 

• Date: Tuesday 11^th February
• Topic: Compliance with EU MDR

1.  “An Emerging Certification for Medical Device Cleanability and Durability: How Material Testing and Selection Help” 

• Date: Wednesday 12^th February
• Topic: To discuss how material screening, polymer selection and device testing can enable device certification from the Healthcare Surfaces Institute.

Eastman will be on booth 2301 during MD&M West which is taking place in the Anaheim Convention Center from 11^th to 13^th February.