Bioprinting solution from ViscoTec relies on THERMOLAST® M

Precision, repeatability, process reliability and intuitive handling are ViscoTec's core competencies. The company, headquartered in Töging am Inn, is a global specialist in pump and dispensing technology. With its young Puredyne brand, ViscoTec also creates simple solutions for extrusion-based bioprinting.

The print heads are optimized so that living cells can be easily printed in additive manufacturing. A proprietary, modular heating and cooling system also ensures the best survival conditions for the cells in the manufacturing process. In order to convey the medium in a manner adapted to the biotechnological requirements while at the same time taking advantage of the other benefits of the eccentric screw, the manufacturer from upper Bavarian opted for a THERMOLAST® M solution from KRAIBURG TPE for the stoppers used.

The manufacturer's goal is to apply biomaterials more precisely with the help of the Puredyne cap b5. The small stopper bears a great deal of responsibility in this regard, as its filigree design and material properties mean that even the difficult requirements for tightness in this particular field of application can be met optimally.  

"The traditional solution for such an application is silicone. For the plug used in the Puredyne print head, the choice fell on a thermoplastic elastomer because TPE opens up a new spectrum of possibilities for us," says Raphael Lichtnecker, Business Development Single Use at ViscoTec.

"To take our first steps in the direction of injection molding, we deliberately chose a very experienced partner. The proximity to KRAIBURG TPE has made the joint work a home run from which all parties have benefited."

Processing by injection molding promotes process capability, allowing small, delicate components to be produced cost-effectively and customized. The THERMOLAST® M grade is also frequently used in medical devices, pharmaceutical packaging and diagnostics, as it complies with current regulations and has the necessary approvals, including Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011, US FDA CFR 21 (raw material conformity), VDI 2017 and ISO 10993-5 (cytotoxicity). The applied material adheres to polypropylene and has low surface friction and corresponding abrasion resistance and scratch resistance. In addition, it is sterilizable (autoclave 134°C, ß/y radiation 2x35 kGy, EtO) and is US DMF listed. The suitability of the TPE as a medical device was particularly important for ViscoTec in order to enable the widest possible range of applications and to open up new avenues.

Karin Maier, Head of Sales Industry EMEA at KRAIBURG TPE, sums up the project: "We are pleased that our THERMOLAST® M won the race. This cooperation has introduced us to the topic of metering technology and we see joint potential here for the market of the future."