US custom engineered thermoplastics compounder RTP (Winona, Minnesota; www.rtpcompany.com) has extended its range of biocompatible compounds for medical devices to include TPE bondable grades. "RTP 6042 MD" and "RTP 6003 MD" series TPE compounds have been pre-tested for compliance with relevant biocompatibility standards. The materials have been developed to bond with ABS, PC, PC alloys, PBT, rigid TPU, or co-polyester substrates using either multi-shot or insert moulding processes.

The compounds are naturally opaque and fully colourable with RTP’s biocompatible colour products. They are designated as change controlled formulas to ensure there is no modification to ingredients without customer authorisation. Key applications include surgical tools, fixation devices, positioners that require tactile feel and slip resistance, drug delivery systems such as transdermal patches, injection pens, and inhaler pumps as well as intravenous and catheter systems.