Page 90 - Plastics News August 2024
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PRODUCT NEWS
means that it is highly compatible with human tended periods to provide reliable and consist-
tissues and fluids and can reduce the risk of ad- ent results.
verse reactions such as irritation, toxicity or al-
lergic responses. This property is important for Flexibility is another physical benefit of most
medical applications that involve direct contact silicone compounds. It retains its flexibility and
with the human body, such as implants, cathe- elasticity over a wide range of temperatures so
ters and wound care products. is suitable for dynamic applications that require
the material to bend, stretch and move without
Another advantage of most silicone compounds breaking. This flexibility is particularly valuable in
is its durability. Silicone rubber exhibits a resist- applications such as tubing, catheters, and sur-
ance to wear and tear and extreme tempera- gical instruments, where adaptability is essential
tures, which ensures its long-lasting performance for both functionality and patient comfort.
in various medical applications. Whether used in SOURCE - MEDICAL PLASTICS NEWS
an implant or a prosthetic device, silicone rubber
maintains its integrity and functionality over ex-
Building a Future With Sustainable Compounds
anufacturers turn to engineering resins ing the words “continuous improvement.”
when high performance, flame retard-
Mance or robustness to harsh environ- Star’s improvement programs use the DMAIC
ments are required. Star Plastics meets these method. “We Define a project, we Measure the
needs with its custom compounds, which include performance of that process, we Analyze data
ABS, nylon and PC materials. Some 36 years of and implement Improvements, and then we have
progressive growth in the plastics industry bear Controls to make sure that the progress and im-
witness to the company’s success and consist- provements have stayed,” says Sonja Butler,
ent quality of its products. But if you walk the who champions continuous improvement activi-
halls of the company’s newly renovated West ties at Star Plastics.
Virginia offices, you won’t get far without hear- Source – Plastics Technology
92 PLASTICS NEWS August 2024
