PEEK For Medical Applications

Ensinger announced the introduction of a full line of its TECAPEEK™ products manufactured exclusively from VICTREX PEEK™ resin and made specifically for applications in the very precise and demanding medical industry. All TECAPEEK grades are characterized by high strength, extreme resistance to hydrolysis and resistance to ionizing radiation, all important factors in determining whether a material is suitable for use in the medical environment. In addition, Ensinger’s medical grades are supported with biocompatibility testing to the ISO10993 standard which supports their use to be in contact with blood or tissue for 24 hours or less. Ensinger is also an authorized converter of Invibio’s PEEK™ Classix™ resin. This special grade is tested by resin lot to support contact with the patient for up to 30 days.

TECAPEEK™ is offered in different colors for the purposes of instrument identification as well as other things. TECAPEEK™ MT CF30 and XP98 are both 30% carbon fiber reinforced and are differentiated by their processing method. These materials are radio lucent, which when combined with their high strength and modulus properties, makes them ideal for target devises for internal fixation bone trauma nails and plates. TECAPEEK™ Classix™ and Classix XRO™ are offered for use in applications that require extended time in contact with the patient such as temporary dental implants. Since plastics are typically transparent to x-rays, the Ensinger XRO™ formulations are designed to reflect x-rays thus making these key components visible to surgeons trying to orient them during dental procedures.

Ensinger is also unique in its ability to offer these special grades through any of their extrusion, compression, or injection molding processes depending on customer preference, or the application’s requirements.

For more information, contact, Bruce Dickinson, Ensinger, Inc., 365 Meadowlands Blvd., Washington, PA 15301, 800-243-3221/856-227-0500, Fax: 724-746-9209, Web: www.shopforplastics.com.