Plastic Injection Molding Solutions for the Medical Industry | The Rodon Group®

Although plastic injection molding is an excellent solution for a wide array of applications, it is particularly advantageous within the medical industry. This method of fabrication is quick and efficient and is able to meet the strict regulatory guidelines that medical applications require. To fully explore this topic, our specialists have composed a Plastic Injection Molding for the Medical Industry eBook which will provide in-depth explanations of the following information.

Benefits of Plastic Injection Molding for Medical

When compared to other plastic fabrication methods, injection molding has a range of benefits that make it ideal for use in the medical industry.

Regulatory Compliance

Injection molding utilizes specialty plastics that meet FDA standards and require very little finishing work. In addition, manufacturers can choose materials that are formulated to repel contaminants, thus improving the sterility of the final part.

Traceability

Part traceability is vital in the medical industry, as it enables customers to track their parts throughout the manufacturing process. Injection molding makes it easy to provide this service to protect patient health.

Mechanical Properties

Plastic injection molded parts provide levels of strength, stability, and heat resistance similar to metal parts.

Reduced Material Waste

At The Rodon Group, we have established a system to recycle any excess plastic resulting from this process. The ease of recycling makes injection molding a more eco-friendly option than many other plastic fabrication methods.

Flexibility

Injection molded parts begin as clear plastic, which enables us to fully customize the color and design of every product.

High-Volume Repeatability

Medical components must be very accurate and meet incredibly tight tolerances, or else risk becoming unusable. Expert injection molding makes it possible to meet these demands.

Cost Savings

Automation enables plastic injection molding to mass-produce high-quality parts while keeping costs low.

Medical Plastic Injection Molding Case Studies

At The Rodon Group, we recently partnered with a research hospital to develop nasal and oral COVID-19 test swabs. During this collaboration, we were able to adapt pre-existing swab prototypes into an end-product that better suited the client's needs. This project required the rapid production of high-quality FDA registered swabs, and plastic injection molding was the ideal fabrication method to meet these needs. In addition, we were able to provide medical-grade materials, flexibility, and very tight tolerances to create a product that met the strict regulations of the medical industry.

Design & Material Selection Considerations

Plastic injection molding offers a significant amount of flexibility in regard to material selection. This enables us to choose materials with properties specifically suited for the desired application. There are several factors to consider when selecting the ideal material. Broadly speaking, it is vital to consider the ways in which the part will be used. The optimal material for catheters, for example, will differ significantly from the optimal material for handheld surgical tools.

We must also consider the conditions of the product's intended environment, particularly in regard to whether the product will require frequent sterilization. Similarly, it is important to choose a material of the appropriate strength level for the intended application. Regardless of the desired properties, the material must also be able to meet the relevant industry standards to ensure efficacy and safety.

Once we have a clear idea of the desired properties, we can choose the ideal material for the project. Common plastics used for medical injection molding include:

• PEEK
• Polystyrene
• Polycarbonate
• Polypropylene
• Polyethylene

Learn More About Plastic Injection Molding for the Medical Industry

The precision, flexibility, and regulatory compliance of plastic injection molding make this one of the best methods of fabrication for the medical industry. If you would like to learn more about this valuable manufacturing process, download our eBook, Plastic Injection Molding Solutions for the Medical Industry.

To begin working with The Rodon Group on your next project, contact us or request a quote today.