The Medalist TPEs exhibit improved compression set in comparison with competing TPEs, making possible a more secure seal, said Teknor Apex. The compounds can be molded in high-cavitation tooling. All grades are sterilizable and are available in natural or black colors.

A low coefficient of friction enables the stoppers molded from the new Medalist TPEs to achieve a consistent piston release and travel force in both glass and plastic syringe barrels, said Teknor Apex. The compounds can be over-molded onto plungers, eliminating an assembly step. In addition to grades for over-molding onto polypropylene, specialty grades are available that, unlike TPVs, can be over-molded onto engineering resins like polycarbonate, ABS, PC/ABS, acrylic, acetal, PBT and COPE. Unlike most TPVs, the Medalist TPEs do not require pre-drying.

PMT has taken delivery of 10 new Maruka USA Toyo injection molding machines so far this year, including three 55-ton, four 110-ton, and two 200-ton presses. PMT also invested in its first injection molding machine under 40 tons, with a new Toyo 20-ton horizontal machine. The new investments will support key customers in the telecommunications, medical device, and electrical industries.

PMT now has a total of 72 injection molding machines in its 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, and operates 24/7 in its strategic border location in El Paso, TX.

New medical-grade thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) from Teknor Apex (Pawtucket, RI) for injection molded plunger stoppers provide improved syringe performance and are less costly and easier to mold than natural and isoprene rubber, said the company. The TPE-based stoppers also have processing advantages compared with thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) elastomers. Teknor Apex Co. will introduce the compounds in booth S22045 at NPE2018.

“Several of our customers are experiencing record growth within their respective industries to support infrastructure in the USA,” said PMT CEO and owner Charles A. Sholtis in a prepared statement. For its part, PMT is projecting a double-digit increase in sales this year. It’s putting that extra money to good use by investing in new injection molding machines and auxiliary equipment that will, in turn, support booming customer demand.

“Stoppers must move smoothly against the wall of the syringe barrel, provide an exceptional seal to preserve the integrity of the drug and be chemically inert to prevent interaction with the syringe contents,” said Ross van Royen, Senior Market Manager, Regulated Products. “Teknor Apex has developed a portfolio of Medalist TPEs that meet these performance requirements while providing substantial economic advantages because of their ease of processing.”

Medical-grade thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) have performance and cost advantages over conventional rubber in syringe component application.

PMT also procured auxiliary equipment for the new presses, including several HY Robotics 3-axis robots and sprue pickers, Novatec dryers with central conveying systems, and conveyors with part separation. Two new Gorbel overhead crane systems will provide safe mold transport and set-up in the company’s white room space and on the plant floor.

Projecting a double-digit increase in sales, Plastic Molding Technology has invested close to $1 million in new injection molding and auxiliary equipment this year.

Rubber has been the predominant material for use in syringe stoppers, but TPEs are a better alternative, according to Teknor Apex. For one thing, the curing step required in rubber processing is eliminated, minimizing concerns about extractables and leachables. Also, TPE scrap can be recycled and the molding cycles are shorter. More intricate designs and tighter dimensional tolerances can be achieved, as well.

That proverbial rising tide that lifts all boats? Contract manufacturer Plastic Molding Technology (PMT) is riding that wave. The company announced today that it has invested close to $1 million in new equipment this year to support new contract awards that will require additional capacity.