US-based Plastics One Inc. has chosen Riteflex 640A thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPC-ET) from Celanese Corporation for production of medical cable and connector systems.
“Whatever we design and build, Riteflex 640A is our ‘go-to’ material because it performs well with high voltage and excels in overmolding to a substrate,” explains Steve Heckman, Senior Research and Development Engineer at Plastics One, which specializes in the design, assembly and molding of connectors and cables for customers in the global medical market. “We switched from commonly available copolyester and we’ve continued to grow and use Riteflex 640A.”
Riteflex TPC-ETs combine toughness and resilience with strong resistance to creep, impact, tear and flex fatigue at a temperature that range from -40°C to 120°C, , said Celanese. It also shows high chemical resistance to common solvents, fuels, oils and greases, dilute acids and bases.
“Several of our medical market applications use overmolded Riteflex parts because it plays well with PVC; the melt temperatures need to be similar so the PVC wire jacket doesn’t melt,” Mr. Heckman notes. “These over molded parts include integral bend reliefs or medical touchproof systems that meet the IEC-60601-1 standard, which covers the overall electrical safety requirements for medical equipment connected to electrical mains.”
In addition to the International standard that covers the overall electrical safety requirements for medical equipment connected to electrical mains, Riteflex 640A TPC-ET achieves a Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) of up to 600 volts.
Plastics One molds a variety of plugs, connectors and bend reliefs in various colors with Riteflex 640A TPC-ET, including cable assemblies, medical electrodes and contacts, jumper cables, as well as touchproof safety plugs and jacks.
Celanese will present the Riteflex TPC-ET at the forthcoming MD&M West, to be held in Anaheim, the US from February 11-13.
