Plastic injection molding is a technique that can be used to make all kinds of products, including essential medical devices. Since medical device manufacturing is a heavily regulated industry, molding companies have to follow stringent guidelines to ensure that products are safe and functional. This guide focuses on several types of molding techniques used to create medical devices. 

Molding Methods for Medical Device Manufacturing

1. Thin Wall

Thin wall molding is one of the most common types of molding used in the medical industry. Generally, this method is used to create devices with walls that are thinner than 1 millimeter. 

The process involves using standard plastic injection molding equipment in conjunction with flexible plastics like polypropylene, LCP, and nylon. Silicone and metal can be molded with this technique as well. Wearable medical devices, catheters, and microsurgical tools are a few examples of devices that are made with thin wall molding. 

2. Gas-Assisted 

Gas-assisted molding is a technique that limits the presence of sink marks. These marks can affect the appearance and function of the final product by giving the walls a sunken shape. 

With this method, manufacturers run nitrogen through channels in the mold. The gas creates pressure inside the resin that forces it to sit properly inside the mold. This method is ideal for products that don't have sharp corners or edges since the gas needs to flow in a straight line to exert equal pressure inside the mold. 

3. Liquid Silicone

Silicone is used throughout the medical industry to prevent infection. In liquid silicone molding, products are made in sterile rooms so that air can't make contact with the silicone and cause contamination. 

Silicone can be used to create all kinds of innovative devices and tools, including tubes and respirators. It's also used for implantable devices since it doesn't react with organic substances. 

4. Metal 

With this type of molding, manufacturers create a mixture of metal powders that is converted into pellets known as feedstock. Feedstock contains a plastic bonding agent. The final step involves a solvent and heat to remove the binding agent so that only metal is left behind during the molding process.

If you need plastic injection molding services, Pacific Integrated Manufacturing in Bonita, CA, can help. This manufacturer has a 50,000-square-foot space where they use state-of-the-art molding techniques to serve their clients. They can handle all aspects of the molding process from procuring raw materials to packaging and sterilization. Learn about their services online or request more information by calling (619) 921-3464.