TPEs get a grip on medical device handles

Medical devices that are ergonomically design brings both positive outcome for patients and medical professionals by providing precision, flexibility, comfort, and ease of control.

In addition, ensuring the handles and grips in medical instruments is well-designed is important to create the conditions for the instruments' performance as well as to promote good work practices to prevent work-related risks.

Advanced materials such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) have gained traction in the production of medical devices due to their exemplary properties.

KRAIBURG TPE, a global TPE manufacturer of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) products and custom-engineered TPE solutions for a wide range of industries and applications, now offers the THERMOLAST® H HC/AD1/AP series in Asia-Pacific for grips and handles of instruments such as thermometer, endoscope, reflex hammer, disposal scalpels, forceps, tweezers, pliers, and others.

Benefits of polar adhesion and mechanical properties

KRAIBURG TPE’s THERMOLAST® H HC/AD1/AP series of compounds are particularly well-suited for handle and grip applications due to their adhesion properties to polar thermoplastics, such as PC, ABS, ASA, SAN, PET, PS, and PETG.

Furthermore, the THERMOLAST® H HC/AD1/AP series, with its superior mechanical properties and soft touch surface, provides better grip and excellent surface feel for the instruments when used. Overall, the compounds deliver functional and beneficial design elements that enhance user experience.

Additionally, the series of compounds can be processed through injection molding and can be sterilized in an autoclave at 121°C or with ETO (gas).

Compliance with standards a prerequisite

KRAIBURG TPE’s polar adhesion TPE series, complies with international standards such as ISO10993-5 and GB/T 16886.5 (cytotoxicity), US FDA CFR 21, Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, REACH, and RoHS. This allows for safety of use in medical device applications.

These compounds are environmentally-friendly, biocompatible and do not contain silicones, latex, PVC, or phthalates.

Pre-coloring is available, allowing products to be customized to meet the needs of the medical application. Plus, the compounds allow for lightweight and durable grips and handles.

Sustainability successes of our TPE

KRAIBURG TPE’s recent sustainability innovations include a specially developed material solution for automotive, consumer, and industry applications comprising post-consumer recycled (PCR) and post-industrial recycled (PIR) content.

Are you looking for a sustainable TPE solution? Talk to us!

Our experts are happy to answer any questions you have, as well as to offer the right solution for your application.