Fluoroelastomer Specialists
International Polymer Engineering (IPE), a leading custom extruder of thermoplastic tubing and profiles based in Tempe, Ariz., introduced recently a broad, new range of high-precision microbore tubing, monofilaments and profiles made of high-performance thermoplastics from Solvay Specialty Polymers. These innovative products offer advanced solutions for medical, aerospace, military and industrial applications. IPE unveiled the new product line at the Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West show (Booth #2112), which runs here from Feb. 10-12. Solvay is also here (Booth #1906), showcasing its broad selection of high-performance medical-grade polymers for medical devices.
IPE has seen growing customer demand for extrusions made of high-performance thermoplastics due to their ease of manufacturing and strong property profile. In particular, the company has seen a major shift toward replacing metals and thermoset materials with advanced thermoplastics in medical applications, according to Jonathan Jurgaitis, melt extrusion manager for IPE.
“Based on the demand from our customers, it’s clear that these high-performance materials have a strong track record, and the industry is familiar with them as a viable option for a range of applications,” Jurgaitis said. “IPE has worked closely with Solvay by tapping into their technical expertise to develop custom products that meet the stringent requirements of demanding end-use applications in the medical, aerospace, and military industries.”
IPE chose Solvay’s sulfone polymers due to their excellent clarity, stiffness and steam sterilizability. Specifically, IPE used Solvay’s Udelpolysulfone (PSU) resin to fabricate 0.02-in (0.5-mm) monofilaments and Radel polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) resin to make 0.06-in (1.524-mm) and 0.11-in (2.794-mm) monofilaments. It also used Radel PPSU resin to make 0.50-in (12.7 mm) microbore tubing with outer diameter (OD) of 0.012-in and inner diameter (ID) of 0.010-in (0.3048-mm OD x 0.254-mm ID).
IPE has also increasingly put Solvay’s Spire Ultra Polymers to use due to the broad benefits of these materials, including high stiffness and hardness, and excellent resistance to chemicals and high temperatures. For example, IPE fabricates microtubes made from Solvay’s KetaSpire polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin that deliver greater strength and rigidity than polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microtubes, and they are easier to work with compared to those made of stainless steel. These microtubes target a range of medical applications including catheters, endoscopic working channels, and laparoscopic instruments. KetaSpire PEEK is one of the industry’s most chemically resistant polymers that offers excellent strength, superior fatigue resistance, and a continuous-use temperature of 240°C (464°F). IPE now uses it to make a range of microfilament sizes, as well as microbore tubing with 0.012-in OD x 0.010-in ID (0.3048-mm OD x 0.254-mm ID).
