MEDICAL ELASTOMERS FOR EXACTING APPLICATIONS

Recent trends in the healthcare industry have paved the way for breakthrough innovations in polymer technology. Medical device manufacturers increasingly turn to thermoplastic elastomers for applications that require flexibility or rubber-like elasticity, and they turn to Teknor Apex to deliver high quality, regulatory-compliant TPEs with a proven track record. Medalist® TPEs are so versatile they are suited for a variety of applications, from extruded tubing to injection molded syringe tips.

MD-12100 Series

The Medalist MD-12100 series consists of general purpose molding grades, available from 30 to 80 Shore A. These grades exhibit excellent compression set, comparable to thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) up to 70oC. They can be over-molded onto polypropylene, making them excellent candidates for applications such as seals, gaskets, and O-rings; where maintaining a tight seal is important.

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MD-12100H Series

For high precision molded medical parts requiring excellent elastic performance, the Medalist MD-12100H series is the best option. Available from 30 to 80 Shore A, these high-flow grades will fill thin-walled parts with ease.  These products are suitable for injection molding, insert, and 2-shot molding for a diverse range of parts in medical devices and equipment, diagnostic equipment and instruments, and devices for home use.

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MD-12300 Series

For translucent medical tubing, the Medalist® MD-12300 Series offers a tremendous cost savings over silicone rubber. Medalist tubing exhibits similar characteristics to silicone tubing, however silicone can have absorption issues and is extremely permeable to gases. These concerns are eliminated when using Medalist medical TPEs. Also, since Medalist materials are thermoplastic and not thermoset like silicone, they are heat sealable and sterile weldable.

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MD-12445

Specifically formulated for extrusion blow molding, Medalist® MD-12445 has high melt strength for good parison formation, and consistent flow characteristics for improved parison stability. With Medalist® TPEs, resuscitation bags, bladders, balloons, and cuffs can be produced on high-volume production equipment more cost-effectively than rubber. Medalist® MD-12445 mimics the “feel” of latex and has been widely accepted by anesthesia technicians for use in breathing bags.

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MD-23100 Series

For medical device components requiring superior sealing performance, Medalist medical TPVs (Thermoplastic Vulcanizates) are the premier choice. The Medalist MD-23100 Series of TPVs are designed to replace thermoset rubber, with excellent sealing properties including low long-term compression set, high fatigue resistance, stability at high temperatures, and chemical resistance. Available from 33 to 73 Shore A, these TPVs are excellent candidates for medical device components like O-rings, seals, gaskets, diaphragms and valves.

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MD-16100 Series

The Medalist MD-16100 series of TPE gels are specifically formulated for improved haptics and a smoother surface feel. Available from 20 to 65 Shore OO, these low-tack gels can be used for soft padding, support, or cushioning. Applications include orthopedic devices, prosthetic liners, and even diabetes therapy when used in insoles, heel cushions, and toe spacers.

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MD-50100 Series

The Medalist MD-50100 Series consists of clear, medical-grade TPEs available from 58 to 73 Shore A. These materials are used as alternatives to flexible PVC in respiratory therapy masks, and with better deformation resistance, masks stay intact during packaging and storage. The Medalist MD-50100 Series can also be used as more economic alternatives to silicone for facemasks.

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MD-53200 Series

Available from 65 to 90 Shore A, the Medalist® MD-53200 Series mirrors the clarity, haptics, and performance characteristics of PVC, while exhibiting enhanced gamma stability and flexibility over a wider temperature range. Medical tubing made from Medalist has excellent kink resistance and clamp resilience. In addition, with the MD-53200 Series, the aesthetics of the tubing can be easily manipulated during extrusion to appear crystal clear, translucent, or frosted. These grades can also be used in non-breathable single and multi-layer films. In comparison with films made of PVC, Medalist® films exhibit the same degree of strength but at half of the thickness. In addition, Medalist® compounds are 30% less dense than flexible PVC, can be down gauged without compromising strength, can be sealed using heat welding to make bags, and are less permeable to gases and moisture than PVC.

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MD-84000 Series

The Medalist® MD-84000 series is the premier choice for medical cables and electrosurgical instruments. These medical-grade TPEs exhibit superior mechanical and electrical properties before and after repeat sterilization, offer improved processing, and enhance the look and feel of the end product—especially when compared to the TPVs (thermoplastic vulcanizates) that are currently the industry standard. These grades are UL-rated, made with FDA compliant ingredients, and are RoHS and REACH SVHC compliant.

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Medalist TPEs for Medical Tubing

Tubing: Single and Multi-Lumen

Medalist® is the premier TPE alternative to PVC, silicone, and TPU in medical tubing. A proven technology with medical OEMs and processors, Medalist® TPEs can be run at fast line speeds while maintaining excellent dimensional control. With low levels of extractables and a wide service temperature range, Medalist® offers superior kink resistance, and can be sterilized by e-beam, gamma, ethylene oxide (EtO), and steam (autoclave). Specialty grades are available for Terumo welding and solvent bonding.

DOWNLOAD: MEDALIST TPE SELECTOR GUIDE FOR MEDICAL TUBING 

DOWNLOAD: MD-12300 SERIES TECHNICAL DATA SHEETS

DOWNLOAD: MD-53200 SERIES TECHNICAL DATA SHEETS

Applications
  • Catheters
  • IV
  • Drug delivery
  • Gas Supply
  • Chest Drainage
Medalist TPEs for Medical Cables and Connectors

Medical Cables and Connectors

When designing medical devices, equipment, and electrosurgical instruments, selecting the right wire and cable solution is paramount. The cable must be constructed of a clean, biocompatible material that complies with UL standards, exhibits excellent electrical properties, and is able to withstand multiple cycles of sterilization. The Medalist® MD-84000 Series was specifically designed to meet these requirements. These grades have a flammability classification of HB per UL-94, are resistant to cleaning solutions used in hospitals, and maintain their properties after multiple autoclave sterilization cycles.

DOWNLOAD: MEDALIST TPE SELECTOR GUIDE FOR MEDICAL CABLES & CONNECTORS

DOWNLOAD: TECHNICAL DATA SHEETS

Applications
  • Insulation & Jacketing for Cable
  • Electrical Plugs & Connectors
Medalist TPEs for Medical Film and Bags

Film and Bags: Single and Multi-Layer

For excellent impact strength and low temperature flexibility, choose Medalist® TPEs for medical films and bags. Medalist® TPEs can be formulated to have either low or high permeability to gases and vapors, depending on the application requirements. Film made with Medalist® is lighter weight than PVC film, due to the product's lower density and greater strength at thinner gauges. Furthermore, Medalist® exhibits superior elasticity and tear strength for a more durable film. Medalist® is also colorfast. Test results reveal that Medalist® TPEs exhibit 25% less color change after gamma irradiation than standard (non-gamma stable) grades of PVC.

DOWNLOAD: MEDALIST TPE SELECTOR GUIDE FOR CLEAR & FLEXIBLE FILMS

Applications
  • Biopharmaceutical Storage
  • Enteral & Parenteral Nutrition Bags
  • IV & Saline Bags
  • Waste Bags
  • Peritoneal & Dialysis Bags
Medalist TPEs for Latex-free Medical Film

Latex-free Films & Sheeting

When extruded into films and sheets, Medalist TPEs mimic the stress-strain behavior of Latex and exhibit similar haptics and drape.  Medalist TPEs offer a better balance of price and performance when used to replace latex rubber in the production of elastic films for therapy bands, tourniquets, straps, and dental dams.  Medalist is available in custom colors, exhibits excellent tear strength and puncture resistance, yet unlike latex, is odor-free and non-allergenic.

DOWNLOAD: MEDALIST TPE SELECTOR GUIDE FOR LATEX FREE FILMS

Applications
  • Tourniquets
  • Straps
  • Therapy Bands
  • Sheeting
  • Dental Dams
Medalist TPEs for Low Temperature Medical Film

Low-Temperature Films

Specialty Medalist TPE grades have been developed specifically for improved properties at low temperatures, perfect for films and bags with cold storage requirements.  These materials are phthalate-free and chemically inert, and when used in bags, maintain the sterility and purity of its contents, eliminating concerns with leachable affecting the product’s quality.  Medalist TPEs can be used in a single layer film or in a multi-layer construction with other polymers for improved barrier properties.

DOWNLOAD: MEDALIST TPES FOR LOW TEMPERATURE FILMS

Applications
  • Bags for fluid management

Medalist TPEs for Face Masks

Face Masks

More and more, medical device OEMs are choosing Medalist TPEs over flexible PVC and silicone rubber for face masks.  The Medalist MD-50100 Series is more economical than silicone and mimics the clarity of PVC, but has better resistance to deformation, so masks stay intact during packaging and storage.  The Medalist MD-10100 Series consists of very soft materials that can be overmolded onto rigid masks to provide an gas-tight cushioning seal, replacing traditional balloon seal constructions.   

DOWNLOAD: MEDALIST MEDICAL GRADE TPES FOR FACE MASKS

DOWNLOAD: MD-50100 SERIES FOR TECHNICAL DATA SHEETS

DOWNLOAD: MD-10100 SERIES FOR TECHNICAL DATA SHEETS

Applications
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Inhalers

Dropper Bulbs

With the same haptics and elasticity of rubber, Medalist MD-12344 medical-grade TPE is the premier choice for dropper bulb applications.  This material is reistant to acids, bases, and solvents and is sutiable for both glass and plastic pipettes.  

DOWNLOAD PRODUCT SELECTOR GUIDE: MEDALIST MEDICAL GRADE TPE FOR DROPPER BULBS

Applications
  • Medicine droppers
  • Dropping pipettes
  • Pasteur pipettes
Medalist TPEs for Medical Injection Molding

Molded Medical Parts

Medalist® is well-suited for molded medical applications, especially for small, high-precision parts using complex multi-cavity molds. Medalist TPEs are extremely versatile and can be formulated to suit a variety of application requirements:

  • With its balance of price and performance, Medalist® provides a strong alternative to PVC for drip chambers and filter housings. Rigid enough to hold its shape, yet flexible enough to be squeezed, Medalist® has the ideal properties for this application. Medalist® also provides crystal clarity, and is phthalate and plasticizer-free.
Applications
  • Drip Chambers/Filter Housings
  • Dust Caps
  • Gaskets & Stoppers
  • Orthopedic Inserts, Pads, & Cushions 
  • Respirator Mask Gaskets 

  • Since dust caps are designed to protect medical devices, it’s important to deliver a good compression set to secure the cap in place. Medalist® provides this benefit, along with a wide hardness rangeeasy colorability and color customization, and excellent processability (using multi-cavity injection molding).
  • For gaskets and stoppers Medalist® exhibits the compression set needed at high temperatures, as well the ideal elastic properties. It offers other key advantages too: it can be steam sterilized, it’s suitable for a Bayonet style connector, and it can withstand multiple needle sticks.
  • For orthopedic inserts, pads and cushions, Medalist® elastomeric gels provide added comfort and protection. With ultra-soft grades as low as 25 Shore 00, Medalist® TPE gels are available in clear, translucent, or custom-colored.

DOWNLOAD: MEDALIST TPE SELECTOR GUIDE FOR INJECTION MOLDING:  GENERAL PURPOSE & HIGH FLOW

DOWNLOAD: TECHNICAL DATA SHEETS - MD-12100 SERIES
DOWNLOAD: TECHNICAL DATA SHEETS - MD-12100H SERIES
DOWNLOAD: TECHNICAL DATA SHEETS - MD-23100 SERIES
DOWNLOAD: MEDALIST MEDICAL GRADE TPVs FOR MEDICAL DEVICES 

Syringe Plunger Tips

Plunger stoppers made from Medalist TPEs perform well in both glass and plastic syringe barrels. Medalist stoppers achieve a consistent piston release and travel force due to a low coefficient of friction. Medalist TPEs offer several benefits over current stopper material technologies, including thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs), natural and isoprene rubber. Compared to thermoset rubber, Medalist TPE molding cycle times are reduced significantly, and scrap can be recycled. Also, the precision of injection molding allows for intricate designs with very tight dimensional tolerances. With Medalist TPEs, stoppers can be injection molded or overmolded onto syringe plungers, eliminating an assembly step.

DOWNLOAD PRODUCT SELECTOR GUIDE: MEDALIST MEDICAL GRADE TPES FOR SYRINGE PLUNGER STOPPERS 

Applications
  • Glass and plastic syringes
Medalist TPEs for Medical Blow Molding

Blow Molded Medical Bags and Bellows

Combining the performance of thermoset rubber with the processing ease of a thermoplastic, Medalist® TPEs are suitable alternatives to a wide variety of medical-grade materials including flexible PVC and latex rubber. Made with clean, FDA-approved ingredients, Medalist® TPEs are DEHP and phthalate-free, and unlike rubber, do not require the use of curing agents, thus eliminating concerns of high levels of extractables or leachables. Medalist® TPEs exhibit excellent flexibility and elastic recovery, and they provide a soft, pliable feel for easy manipulation in blow molded applications such as resuscitation bags, bladders, balloons, and cuffs.

  • High melt strength for good parison formation control
  • Consistent viscosity for improved parison stability
  • Excellent flexibility and elastic recovery
  • Improved tear resistance
  • Sterilization by e-beam, gamma, ethylene oxide, and autoclave
  • Cost effective replacement for latex rubber

DOWNLOAD: MEDALIST BLOW MOLDING TPE FOR LATEX REPLACEMENT

Applications
  • Anesthesia Breather or Resuscitation Bags
  • Bladders
  • Balloons
  • Cuffs

For processing guidance and technical information email us at tpe@teknorapex.com.