MD&M West 2020 Highlights: New Medical-Grade Resins & Compounds for Advanced Devices

MD&M West 2020, held in Anaheim, California, February 11‑13, showcased a broad portfolio of cutting‑edge medical‑grade resins and compounds. These materials address a wide range of applications, from sterilization trays and diagnostic equipment to drug‑delivery devices and handheld diagnostics.

• BASF & Techmer PM: Introduced custom‑colored Ultrason S, P, and E (PSU, PPSU, and PESU) polyarylsulfone grades that meet USP Class V/VI and ISO 10993 standards. These are ideal for medical devices such as sterilization trays, research cages, and diagnostic tools. Learn more.
• Clariant: Launched Mevopur medical‑grade polymer compounds and concentrates for laser‑welding, enabling a ‘Quality by Design’ approach for plastic component assembly. Learn more.
• Also from Clariant: modified Mevopur PEBA and TPU compounds that resist hydrolytic degradation even with high loadings of radiopaque metals—perfect for catheters and similar devices. Learn more.
• Covestro: Debuted two new Makrolon PC families tailored for autoinjectors, injection pens, surgical and drug‑delivery systems. Learn more. Additionally, three new Texin Rx TPU grades were presented for housings, connectors, tubing, film, and sheet applications. Learn more.
• DuPont: Highlighted Delrin SC698 acetal with low coefficient of friction and internal lubrication, ensuring smooth actuation of high‑load drug‑delivery devices such as inhalers, injectors, and pumps. Learn more.
• Eastman: Expanded Tritan MXF specialty copolyesters to include flame‑retardant grades for housings and hardware of electronic medical devices. Learn more.
• Elkem: Showcased an advanced LSR system with low‑temperature cure that delivers precision molding and productivity gains without damaging temperature‑sensitive components like electronics and batteries in two‑shot over‑molding applications. Learn more.
• RTP Co.: Introduced a broad range of specialty engineering thermoplastic compounds designed for surgical robotic systems, monitor components, and reusable instruments such as staplers, cannulas, and grasper tips. Learn more.
• SABIC: Unveiled a family of LNP Elcres CRX PC copolymers that resist stress cracking in healthcare equipment housings—including portable ultrasound and X‑ray machines, hand‑held diagnostics, and infusion pumps exposed to aggressive disinfectants. Learn more.
• Solvay Specialty Polymers: Continued to deliver Xencor LFT compounds with high strength and impact resistance, ideal for structural applications such as chassis, gear systems, and load‑bearing components. Learn more.
• Trinseo: Presented a wear‑resistant, high‑lubricity Calibre PC designed for drug‑delivery components and surgical tools, providing a low‑friction solution for material movement. Learn more.

These innovations underscore the industry’s commitment to safety, performance, and patient outcomes across the medical device ecosystem.