A range of high-purity thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds, along with processing and design tools and information, was launched at MD&M Midwest by the Thermoplastic Elastomer Division of Teknor Apex Co. (Pawtucket, RI). Called Medalist, the initial range includes 33 compounds, with the products falling into three series: Versatile Series (MD-100), designed to meet a variety of medical requirements; Resilient Series (MD-200), formulated for enhanced toughness and oil and heat-resistance; and Bondable Series (MD-300), for overmolding onto different thermoplastic substrates. Shore A hardness ranges from 5 to 87, and clear, translucent, and opaque formulations are available, in compounds that range from super-soft gels to elastomers that are semirigid like hard rubber. Medalist compounds are also available for every major process, including injection molding, blowmolding, and extrusion of thin films.

All 33 Medalist compounds have been tested for compliance with ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity standards and are free of animal-derived materials, vinyl, phthalates, latex, and additives not directly required for medical applications.

The Medalist Versatile Series (MD-100) includes 17 grades, which are all clear or translucent, including a 5 Shore A ultra-soft clear gel; tubing grades optimized for softness, kink-resistance, alcohol resistance, or high clarity; high-flow injection molding elastomers for complex or thin-wall parts; blowmolding compounds; materials free of oil plasticizers; and elastomers with high levels of hardness, elasticity, hot water resistance, dynamic wear resistance, and surface smoothness.

The Resilient Series (MD-200) launches with 10 compounds that are opaque and range in Shore A hardness from an 15 to a 80. Grades include ones optimized for oil resistance and toughness, and one formulation is free of oil plasticizer. In the Medalist Bondable Series (MD-300), there are six overmolding grades, including opaque, clear, and translucent formulations. Depending on the grade, substrates include ABS, copolyester, high-impact polystyrene, nylon, and polycarbonate.

To aid designers in selecting the best compound and processors in optimizing production, Teknor Apex offers an expandable handbook and grade selector with information on every compound, including toxicology, sterilization, chemical resistance, and other property data. In addition to the handbook, Teknor Apex launched www.medalistmd.com where data on all Medalist grades has been posted, with the site to be expanded to include more information in the future. Teknor Apex, Pawtucket, RI, U.S.A.; +1 401 725 8000; www.teknorapex.com.