Medical Devices

Medical device components cover a wide spectrum from single use components for routine medical practice to multiple use devices used for anesthesia and surgical equipment.  Some examples include:

Single Use:

• surgical clips
• wound clamps
• filter media
• housings and functional parts for disposable items

Multiple Use:

• components for sterilization equipment
• grips/handles for surgical instruments
• Minimally invasive surgical devices

Engineering plastics have become indispensable in the development of such medical device components. Good processability, dimensional stability, high mechanical properties and resistance to the chemicals commonly encountered in medical applications are among the important general characteristics of Ticona’s medical technology (MT) grades. These grades have also passed a variety of biocompatibility tests performed by independent organizations.

Whether the device is for single or multiple use, Ticona offers a number of choices. Some Ticona medical technology grades can withstand repeated sterilization by standard methods, including gamma and electron beam, ethylene oxide and hot steam or hot air processes.

Each with their distinctive properties, Ticona grades used in medical devices have a good reputation for reliability and performance to specification. Key products for consideration are:

• Celcon® MT™ and Hostaform®  MT™ acetal copolymers (POM)
• Celanex® MT™ polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
• Fortron® MT™ polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)
• Riteflex® MT™ thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE-E)
• Vectra®  MT™ liquid crystal polymer (LCP)

Many of Ticona’s MT grades are available in colored formulations that comply with applicable FDA regulations. All MT grades are compliant with USP Class VI and ISO 10993 guidelines, and Drug and Device Master Files are available to support specific customer inquiries.