Page 80 - Plastics News December 2016
P. 80
Product NEWS 10
INDIA 2017
International Plastics Exhibition & Conference
Where the future of plastic is...
JAN 2017
19 20 21 22 23 MUMBAI. INDIA
Teknor Apex introduces latex- FIPA releases Robust, non-
rotating internal spring
free Medalist suspensions for automation
Anew family of medical-grade thermoplastic elastomers FIPA GmbH has released new series of non-
Medalist® TPE has beend introduced by Teknor Apex rotating internal spring suspensions. Designed
. The TPE’s for cast film provides the same elasticity,
durability, and “feel” of latex without concerns regarding to compensate for height and level differences in
allergic reactions, odor, or residual curing agent. As direct vacuum cup mounting applications without
the need for or expense of additional fittings, as well
thermoplastics, they make as to ensure the gentle placement of vacuum cups
possible cost savings over on workpieces, the new suspensions exhibit extreme
latex and other thermoset resistance to dirt.
rubbers. The Teknor Apex
latex-free Medalist® TPE Made of lightweight, high-strength anodized aluminum,
film portfolio includes GR03 Series suspensions are thoroughly secured
grades specifically against rotation, and feature resilient, free-moving,
designed for tourniquets smooth-running ball guides that absorb strong forces
and straps (Medalist MD- to achieve high load capacity; several different spring
17340), therapy bands and sheeting (Medalist MD-10233 stroke limitations, which further contribute to a long
and MD-13240), and dental dams (Medalist MD-10308). service life; and rugged internal springs that are
All are available worldwide as standard grades ready for reliably sealed against contaminants, such as dust,
use, though Teknor Apex is prepared to develop custom making them ideal for use in a broad range of harsh
formulations to meet special requirements. Like other manufacturing automation industries, including:
Medalist medical elastomers, the new compounds are plastics, metals, glass, wood, and even food.
made with FDA-compliant ingredients, are compliant with
ISO 10993-5 and REACH SVHC, are free of phthalates, Available with either a smooth, clampable body or
and are produced in ISO13485 facilities in the U.S. and— a male threaded body to facilitate flexible, easy
starting in January of 2017—Singapore. integration into existing EOAT systems, the new
suspensions also feature an internal air feed-through
The new Medalist compounds eliminate concerns about to expedite vacuum hose connections, and are
latex allergy symptoms, which can range from skin compatible with an array of vacuum cup connections.
irritation to more severe manifestations. Also unlike FIPA’s smooth-bodied, clamp-mounting GR03 Series
latex, the TPEs are odor-free, and their processing does non-rotating internal spring suspensions are available
not involve use of curing agents that can be present in in three diameters (10, 14, and 20mm), six stroke
trace amounts in finished products. Medalist TPEs permit lengths spanning 10 – 50mm, and weigh between 7g
major cost savings over latex and other thermoset rubbers (0.25oz) and 80g (2.82oz). Threaded GR03 Series spring
such as nitrile or neoprene. These are attributable suspensions are available in four diameters (M5, G1/8,
to a lower per-pound cost, elimination of the curing G1/4, and G3/8), 10 stroke lengths spanning 10 – 80mm,
step, and the inherently greater processing efficiency and weigh between 11g (0.39oz) and 235g (8.29oz).
of thermoplastics. The advantages of thermoplastic
processing open new business possibilities for medical
device companies. “Rubber extrusion is complicated,
in terms of both equipment and production methods,”
said Mr. van Royen. “Because it is a lot easier and less
expensive to set up a TPE extrusion process than one
for rubber, companies may find it attractive to bring
the manufacture of film products in-house rather than
outsourcing it.”
• December 2016 • Plastics News 80
