Healthcare TPEs: Versaflex™ HC

Versaflex™ HC Thermoplastic Elastomers are formulated to meet demanding healthcare device and application challenges without phthalate plasticizers.

Vibration Damping Technology Versaflex™ VDT thermoplastic elastomers absorb shock to help support vehicle noise reduction in multiple applications

TPEs can be formulated to achieve high tear strengths as seen in traditional TPE applications such as diapers and exercise bands, where these bands or thin films (as low as 3 mils) are stretched without tearing. The results were impressive: • Better tension set, improved compression and enhanced permeability • Slashed $70,000 from production costs by reducing cycle times and eliminating assembly steps • Lower specific gravity of TPEs trimmed overall part weight, which cut $36,000 in annual freight costs • Reprocessability of TPEs shrank scrap rates, saving more than $70,000 in material waste SWITCH TO TPEs BOOSTS BOTTOM LINE CASE STUDY READ MORE ONLINE For a manufacturer seeking to redesign a liquid injection-molded silicone medical pump valve insert, Avient suggested custom-formulated grades of Dynalloy™ OBC and Versaflex™ TPEs that would deliver better multi-functional performance than the previous design, while also facilitating easier two-shot molding.

In response, Avient developed GLS TPEs with antimicrobial additives, available as Versaflex™ and OnFlex™ grades.

At the show, PolyOne will also feature a number of its specialty solutions, including a new aluminum cap liner technology, GLS™ Versaflex™ PKG 4190 thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

GLS™ Versaflex™ HC Thermoplastic Elastomers: Offers manufacturers design freedom, a simplified injection molding process, and streamlined production

APPLICATION PORTFOLIO DESCRIPTION General use Opaque and transparent colors in PP, PE, COC, ABS, POM, PC, TPU, PEEK, and more Needle hubs and cannulae Opaque and translucent colors evaluated to ISO 6009 Ophthalmic caps and closures 13 standard colors in PE matched to American Academy of Ophthalmology; biologically evaluated to USP standard White pharmaceutical packaging White colorants for PE, HDPE, PP covering solid dose to nasal packaging needs Amber pharmaceutical packaging Pre-tested amber colorants LSR silicones For LSR silicones and transparent color PET/PP (e.g. amber) FUNCTIONALITY ADDITIVE PERFORMANCE UV protection in transparent packaging Blocks UV in 290–450nm for PP, PE, PETG, COP Processing aid/friction reduction Optimizes processing for PE, PP, ABS, POM—non-migrating Nucleation for reduced material consumption/cycle time Improves thermal and mechanical properties of PE and PP and allows wall thinning to support sustainability Clarifying Improves clarity of transparent PP applications with reduced migration and improved thermal stability—sorbitol-free Laser marking/welding Activates the polymer to absorb Nd-YAG laser for fast reliable marking/assembly Gamma/e-beam sterilization Preserves the properties of PP and COP, reduces yellowing and compensates for discoloration Anti-static Reduces static buildup in applications such as films in API handling and inhaler spacers/nebulizers Antioxidant Provides thermal protection during converting/ downstream sterilization Anti-counterfeit/brand protection Covert and non-covert systems SUPPORTING SUSTAINABILITY TARGETS As the need to integrate sustainability in the design of healthcare products is growing, manufacturers of medical devices, diagnostic products and pharmaceutical packaging are looking for materials with a more environmentally friendly profile.

Industrial Design • Research methodologies • Brainstorming/problem solving • Concept sketching • Ergonomic development • 3D CAD modeling • Photo rendering & 3D prototyping • Color, material, & finish selection • Design for manufacturing Part/Tool/Process Design Optimization Prototype Capabilities • Over 10 injection molding machines ranging from 50–550 tons: - Materials sampling and evaluation • Fully automated continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) injection-overmolding cell - Prototyping combinations of injection molded discontinuous fiber reinforced thermoplastics with CFRTP inserts • Full suite of auxiliary support equipment including: - Material drying - Water and hot oil thermolators for mold heating - Ultrasonic welding for inserts - Secondary & post operations • 150-ton compression molding presses • Profile extrusion • Co-extrusion film and wire & cable • Over 20 molds at varying geometries to validate structural, application, and functional performance.

Agriculture Film