Plastics, because of their durability and easy-to-sanitize nature, are becoming increasingly important in the medical world. Yet not all plastics are created equal, and some are better suited for medical facilities than others. Piedmont Plastics and our sales team will help your facility choose the best material for your needs, but you will find that the following plastics are often the plastics of choice for creating medical equipment and facilities.
Acetal
Acetal is stiff and strong and does not require any glass reinforcement to provide a durable surface. it’s also thinner and lighter than many other similar materials. It has a low moisture absorption rate, which makes it ideal in medical facilities where fluids are a common problem. Finally, it resists damage from most chemicals and solvents, so it is easy to properly sanitize.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is suited for medical equipment because it can withstand high temperature ranges. This means the steam-based sanitation common in many facilities is not a problem for polycarbonate. Polycarbonate film has excellent clarity and can be formed and molded into a variety of shapes, so these are often used to make signage, labels and control panels in medical facilities.
PETG
This thermoplastic has good quality and impact strength. It’s easily formed into a desired shape and meets FDA requirements for food contact, so it can be used in food preparation areas of hospitals and clinics in addition to being used to create medical equipment. PETG is often used to create sterilization trays for medical and dental equipment.
High Density Polyethylene
HDPE is made from petroleum and is one of the most versatile thermoplastics we carry. It has a low moisture absorption, high impact resistance and resists corrosion from chemicals. It does not fade, splinter or rot, and it will not retain dangerous bacteria. Cleaning agents are not a problem for this durable material, and it’s also fairly affordable in terms of plastic materials.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is the plastic of choice for those application where chemical and corrosion resistance are required. It also boasts a high strength-to-weight ratio and high impact strength. It can withstand the demands of orthotics and prosthetics, even those that are weight-bearing. This is one of its most common uses in the medical field, and it is easily formed into the desired shape for a prosthetic device.
Are you shopping for plastic materials for new a medical facility? Trust the team at Piedmont Plastics to help you find the perfect one. Talk to one of our sales professionals for expert guidance to the right plastic materials for your specific needs.