Plastic/ Polymer Search
Plastic/ Polymer Search
(OP)
Hi all,
Just wanted to pose a question. I am looking at creating 0.380mm wire from a plastic/ polymer composite. Ideally the wire needs to have similar properties to a stainless steel needle of the same diameter. I've been messing around with various plastics but all have either proved too flexible or too brittle at that diameter. The wire is going to be used to make surgical lances so it cannot be flexible or brittle.
Has anyone come across a plastic/ composite that may do the job?
All help greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
JPM
Just wanted to pose a question. I am looking at creating 0.380mm wire from a plastic/ polymer composite. Ideally the wire needs to have similar properties to a stainless steel needle of the same diameter. I've been messing around with various plastics but all have either proved too flexible or too brittle at that diameter. The wire is going to be used to make surgical lances so it cannot be flexible or brittle.
Has anyone come across a plastic/ composite that may do the job?
All help greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
JPM





RE: Plastic/ Polymer Search
Like what have you tried so far.
Does it need to withstand sterilization.
Does it need to be certified for FDA or biological compatibility.
Why plastic if stainless steel works already.
Regards
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RE: Plastic/ Polymer Search
It does need to withstand sterilisation.
Biological compatibility is desirable. FDA certification would be nice but not necessary.
Stainless steel doesn't work well enough. Stainless steel lances are causing problems when used in conjunction with other metal parts in that they scrape the surface of the metal part damaging the passive layer and thereby encouraging corrosion.
Thanks in advance,
JPM
RE: Plastic/ Polymer Search
You could try acrylic or PMMA casting resins. There are dental grades used to make false teeth.
It is quite rigid, but also somewhat brittle.
The next option would be to make a prototype mould and try some materials like Polysulphone or polyimide or Poly ether ketone's
Regards
eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
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RE: Plastic/ Polymer Search
Much appreciated.
JPM
RE: Plastic/ Polymer Search
RE: Plastic/ Polymer Search
You might also consider LCP's - they are ideal for very thin sections and have strength approaching stainless steel in very thin sections. (Talk to Ticona, who make CF reinforced grades, Dupont do not make CF grades as far as I know..)
Alternatively can you overmould a stainless core?
Rgds
Harry
RE: Plastic/ Polymer Search
Thanks for the help. What specifically did you have in mind? Is there an off the shelf compound that I could obtain? Where could I get it? Withstand temp max. 212F I'd reckon.
Harry,
Thanks for your suggestion. I'll also contact Ticona.
The successful compound may also need to have the capability to be EtO sterilized. This isn't absolutely necessary though.
Thanks for all help received. It's greatly appreciated.
JPM
RE: Plastic/ Polymer Search
While I doubt there is an off the shelf material to handle exactly your requirement I expect it can be custom made.
RE: Plastic/ Polymer Search