Plastics are heavily-used in medical device manufacturing—for everything from pipette tips to surgical instruments. This is because they are durable, inexpensive, and relatively easy to sanitize, which is crucial for patient safety. However, not all plastics are made the same. The guide below looks at some of the available varieties.

Common Plastics Used in Medical Fields & Their Benefits

1. Acetal

Acetal is a rigid material that holds its shape extremely well at room temperature and also performs well under heat. It’s also easy to sanitize since it’s highly resistant to many different types of chemicals. As an added bonus, this material is very lightweight and can be manufactured to offer maximum thinness. It is often used to make parts for pumps or valves or in electrical devices.

2. Polycarbonate

Temperature-resistance is an important factor when it comes to medical devices. Polycarbonate can withstand temperatures up to 270 degrees for a period of hours. This plastic is also quite malleable, which means it can be transformed into different shapes as needed. 

3. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

PET is often used for food trays used within a clinical setting—since it is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as food safe. Additionally, it has a high impact strength, so it’s very durable. It is also utilized for cart wheels or for packaging other products.

4. Acrylonitrile Butadiene (ABS)

ABS is also known for its high impact strength, as well as being highly resistant to temperatures up to 239 degrees depending on the grade of the plastic used. Like acetal, it’s impervious to chemical corrosion so it’s easier to clean. Despite the many uses and benefits it offers, ABS is also extremely cost-effective and fits into most health care budgets.