SABIC has announced the availability of VALOX HX325HP resin, a new medical-grade, injection moulding polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin.
SABIC
Developed especially for high-precision parts, such as components of insulin delivery pens, insulin pumps, auto-injectors and continuous glucose monitors, this new resin combines processability with high chemical resistance and validated biocompatibility.
“Global diabetes cases are expected to soar from 529 million to 1.3 billion by 2050, manufacturers in the medical and pharmaceutical markets to invest in easy-to-use, consistent and accurate devices that put diabetes treatment in patients’ hands,” Roble Amanda, director, advanced consumer solutions, SABIC, said “This trend requires materials capable of providing high levels of safety, reliability and durability without compromising productivity or precision in high-volume applications. We are pleased to introduce our new VALOX HX325HP grade as a thermoplastic polyester solution that is engineered to exceed the high expectations and strict specifications of manufacturers in these demanding industry segments.”
The new medical-grade PBT resin has passed stringent injection moulding trials, where it demonstrated high flow even in complex designs, as well as excellent mould release properties with lower shrinkage variation compared with competitive engineering plastics.
In service, VALOX HX325HP resin delivers high resistance to a wide range of chemicals for the mitigation of environmental stress cracking (ESC), as well as compatibility with ethylene oxide (EtO), gamma irradiation and steam sterilisation.
The new material has been tested to international biocompatibility standards. Preliminary assessments according to ISO 10993 or USP Class VI are available upon request. In addition, the grade is subject to SABIC’s Healthcare Policy, providing reliable formulation lock and change control management in line with FDA and EU guidelines for medical-grade plastics. VALOX HX325HP resin also serves as a formaldehyde-free alternative to polyoxymethylene (POM) materials.