Online Purchasing for Medical-Grade Plastics Aimed at Expediting Product Development

Material evaluation for processability, assembly and functionality are key to prototype development of new medical devices. A new website featuring online credit card purchases of medical-grade plastics in single-bag quantities has been launched by Foster Polymer Distribution of Putnam, Calif. The new service aims to allow engineers and designers the ability to quickly order material for evaluation and expedite product development.

 

Typically, the material quantity required for early development stages is no more than a 55-lb single bag. According to Foster, this is the first time several medical-grade polymers have been available for purchase online, including Arkema’s medical-grade Kynar PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), Pebax PEBA (polyether block amide), Rilsan nylon 11 and Rilsamid nylon 12 polymers.  The company is the official North American distributor for these products and also distributes a medical-grade PVC, including DEHP-free grades, from Italy’s TPV Compounds Srl.

 

Says Foster Corp.’s executive v.p. Hank Hague, “This is a first step in our efforts to simplify and expedite ordering of medical polymers. Speed to market is critical for new devices, and a lean process for procuring raw materials for early stage evaluation can save several days.” For details, visit fosterpolymers.com