Plastic injection molding as a manufacturing process delivers highly reliable quality, the ability to meet exacting part tolerances, and a high part volume at a fast speed. All these factors make it well-suited to supporting many industries. In particular, the medical device manufacturing sector has more wholly embraced this industrial process in recent years. Let’s look at why that is and consider some of the ongoing trends in the manufacture of plastic medical devices.
Why Injection Molding for Medical Sector Products?
Aside from the basic attributes of injection molding listed above, there are other reasons why more medical device manufacturers have begun embracing the potential represented by injection molding fully. Some of the key advantages to using this process for medical applications include:
- Certain plastics are highly resistant to temperature extremes, making them ideal for scenarios that require repeated sterilization procedures.
- Many medical devices made with the appropriate plastics are safe to implant and use close to the body.
- Appropriate design and material selection result in injection molded products that are more resistant to contamination and may potentially reduce accidental transmission of pathogens between sterilization.
More Medical Products Transition to Plastics
As a result of these advantages, many medical device creators have made the switch or are beginning to transition towards more fully-plastic constructions. Some of the most common examples of devices produced this way include implantable items, syringe tubes and plungers, lab equipment coverings and casings, and more. Because it is possible to produce these items at high volume and low cost following the initial tooling, it proves cost-effective for even smaller operations.
Reshoring Becoming More Common in Medical Device Manufacture
In recent decades, the dominant practices involved offshore manufacture to meet lower cost targets and improve profit margins. Following recent events, many companies have begun considering re-establishing domestic manufacturing capacities to meet health & safety needs and to build fail-safes back into their supply chain. Medical device manufacturers are a part of this reshoring trend, bringing more of their production back into the US due to periodic disruptions from major suppliers in nations such as China.
Recyclability is a Growing Concern
Medical plastic waste is an ongoing concern and a significant problem for hospitals and other users of plastic medical devices. As a result, there is increasing interest among plastic manufacturers for sustainable options. These include using recycled plastics (where allowed), investigation of bio-resin materials, and the active recycling of used plastic components once they reach the end of their lifecycle. Additional research is ongoing as injection molding teams adapt to these changing requirements and the increased focus on low- to no-waste procedures.
Explore Injection Molding Options for Medical Devices
Reliant Plastics is a US-based injection mold designer and manufacturer with extensive experience across many high-demand industries. With extensive quality control procedures and the capabilities for meeting exceedingly fine tolerances, we are highly capable of supporting medical device manufacturing at every stage, from mold design to minor part production to final assembly and more. For further details, contact our team now.
