Solvay helps medical manufacturing firm develop sterlisation tray

Materials and chemicals company Solvay has provided the Radel PPSU resin for medical manufacturing company Legacy Medical Solutions to optimise a large-format sterilisation tray for surgical instruments.

The trays are on display at Solvay’s stand at MD&M West in Anaheim, California, which runs until 7 February.

Legacy Medical Solutions’ sterilisation tray, measuring 23.5 inches long, 15 inches wide and 5.6 inches high (59.7 x 38.1 x 14.2 cm), is comprised of a thermoformed transparent lid and an opaque base tray made from Radel PPSU resin that secures with a metal clamping system. The transparent lid provides visibility of the tray’s contents for added convenience. The base tray is up to 50% lighter than competitive models fashioned with anodised aluminum, a traditional material of choice, and it features large drilled holes for effective venting during sterilisation. The material is compatible with all commercial sterilisation methods, including repeated autoclaving at 280°F (138°C) for sustained periods of time, demonstrating toughness and maintaining aesthetics.

Joel S. Hughes, president of Legacy Medical Solutions, said: “Today’s sterilisation trays need to withstand punishing autoclaving protocols with high pH cleaners through hundreds of sterilisation cycles. Anodised aluminum trays can fade quickly after just one sterilisation cycle if treated with high pH cleaners, but the trays we make with Radel PPSU retain their fresh appearance thanks to the material’s superior chemical and heat resistance.”

Legacy Medical Solutions also selected Solvay’s Radel PPSU because the high-performance, medical grade polymer supports the design and manufacture of a customisable platform. Through the addition of an innovative bracket, multiple insert plates can be used, and the number of sterilisation validations can be reduced. Radel PPSU resin further enables product customisation due to its availability in a variety of transparent and opaque colors that can support customer corporate branding efforts.

Dane Waund, global marketing manager for healthcare at Solvay’s Specialty Polymers global business unit said: “Solvay’s commitment to innovative product development is demonstrated through its collaboration with and technical support of leaders like Legacy Medical Solutions. With this large-format sterilisation tray, Solvay’s Radel PPSU resin is enabling dramatic design improvements, supporting a variety of manufacturing methods, and ensuring superior performance and longer product life.”