Medical Grade PBT for Injection Molding of High-Precision Parts

A new high-flow medical grade PBT from SABIC has been developed for the injection molding of high-precision parts used in diabetes management. Included are components of insulin delivery pens, insulin pumps, auto-injectors and continuous glucose monitors, where this resin is said to offer outstanding processability with high chemical resistance and validated biocompatibility. Supplied as an unreinforced, neat material, as well as in a limited range of standard colors, Valox HX325HP has passed stringent injection molding trials, where it demonstrated high flow even in complex designs, as well as excellent mold release properties with lower shrinkage variation compared with competitive engineering plastics.

In service, this PBT has been shown to deliver 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 sterilization. The material has been successfully 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. The resin also serves as a formaldehyde-free alternative to polyoxymethylene (POM) materials.