New medical polycarbonate from Covestro sets new standards in heat resistance
22.02.2024
Covestro, a leading developer of polymers and high-performance plastics, presents Apec® 2045, an advanced copolycarbonate. This material combines outstanding features such as biocompatibility, heat resistance, transparency and durability, making it the ideal solution for the manufacture of medical devices.
Covestro has developed Apec® 2045 specifically to meet the needs of medical OEMs and injection moulding companies. The material is particularly suitable for overmoulding with liquid silicone rubber (LSR), a common method for manufacturing medical devices such as respirators. Pierre Moulinie, Global Healthcare Technology Lead at Covestro LLC, explains: "We recognized that we could offer a polycarbonate made for highest curing temperatures in silicone over-molding, helping them more than double production volumes in the same amount of time due to shorter cycle times."
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Biocompatibility: Apec® 2045 fulfils the requirements of the biocompatibility tests according to ISO 10993-1 and USP Class VI for contact times of up to 30 days.
Heat resistance: As the most heat resistant copolycarbonate to date, it offers significant advantages in terms of production time and cost without compromising on quality or performance.
Transparency: The ability to produce transparent parts with high optical clarity expands the range of medical applications.
Durability: Apec® 2045 impresses with its robustness and durability even under demanding conditions.
Sterilisability: It supports the sterilisation methods commonly used in the healthcare industry, including irradiation, autoclave and hot air.
Covestro supports its customers with comprehensive advice. "Our experts provide support every step of the way," says Moulinie. "Helping our customers calculate possible savings when switching to this new high-heat Apec® copolycarbonate grade – for example, simulating material performance in specific applications and calculating cost benefits with our LSR calculator tool."
The use of Apec® 2045 also contributes to customers' sustainability goals by supporting circular business models through closed- and open-loop recycling and providing the opportunity to attribute circular content.
Covestro is recognised for its role in the development of polycarbonates used in life-saving medical devices. The company's materials epitomise innovation, safety and biocompatibility – qualities valued by healthcare designers and manufacturers worldwide.