New KetronŽ PEEK For Medical

A new, custom colored polyetheretherketone (PEEK) exhibits a unique combination of chemical- and stress-cracking resistance at elevated temperatures and long-term, high-mechanical strength. Developed by Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products, the new material, KetronŽ PEEK GF30, is ideal for medical industry applications that undergo repeated sterilization and cleaning.

KetronŽ PEEK GF30 (30% glass-fiber reinforced) sets a new standard for performance of machined plastics in a wide variety of high-performance applications, where a combination of outstanding mechanical and chemical properties at high temperatures is required. Commercial applications for the new material include instrument handles and grips for autoclavable surgical and dental equipment.

KetronŽ PEEK GF30 resists all standard sterilization techniques, high-energy radiation (gamma- and X-rays), and resists a wide range of chemicals, including aggressive cleaning solutions and disinfectants. In laboratory trials, KetronŽ PEEK GF30 did not degrade after more than 250 sterilization cycles.

The new material has higher strength and stiffness, impact- and wear-resistance, compared to many thermoset materials. Further, the new material has very good dimen-sional stability. This benefit makes KetronŽ PEEK GF30 ideal for close tolerance machining and, thus, high quality, precision parts.

KetronŽ PEEK GF30 is available in a wide range of stock shapes for cost-effective, high-quality part design (typically light tan in color). In addition, KetronŽ PEEK GF30 can be custom manufactured in a range of colors, adding design flexibility and aesthetic appeal to medical components.

For more information, contact Kress Schwartz, Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products, 2120 Fairmont Ave., PO Box 14235, Reading, PA 19612, 800-366-0310, Fax: 800-366-0301 E-mail: kress.schwartz@qplas.com.