BASF (Ludwigshafen / Germany; www.basf.com) has introduced three new products in two classes of material to its medical technology plastics range. Identified by the suffix “PRO”, the materials are two new POM (polyoxymethylene / polyacetal) grades – “Ultraform” N2320 003 PRO and H4320 PRO – and BASF’s first PBT for use in medical technology applications, “Ultradur” B4520 PRO.

“Ultraform” N2320 003 PRO is an injection-moulding grade with a high viscosity, developed for the production of thick-walled components with good mechanical strength. BASF said the grade is suitable for the manufacture of highly stressed elements such as functional parts in insulin pens, atomising devices and dry-powder inhalers.

“Ultraform” H4320 PRO is designed specifically for processing by extrusion at high ejection speeds and has a higher viscosity than the N grade. Its target applications are plug-in connectors, handles of surgical instruments and other components in small production runs that are made from semi-finished parts, the company said.

“Ultradur” B4520 PRO is BASF’s first PBT for injection-moulded applications in medical technology. The company said the dimensional stability of PBT has been combined with optimised shrinkage behaviour to meet the stricter requirements for dimensional accuracy of components intended for medical devices. It also absorbs very little water, is highly resistant to many chemicals, can be easily printed on and sterilised with ionising (gamma) radiation or ethylene oxide.