A new high-performance, medical-grade polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin from Sabic is suitable for molding precision components for insulin delivery pens, insulin pumps, auto-injectors, and continuous glucose monitors. The Valox HX325HP resin combines processability with chemical resistance and validated biocompatibility, said Sabic in the announcement.

Sabic said that the medical-grade PBT resin has passed stringent injection molding trials, where it demonstrated high flow even in complex designs, as well as mold release properties with lower shrinkage variation compared with competitive engineering plastics.

What LS Mtron calls the first-ever application of AI technology to the injection molding process synthesizes AI into the process optimization of the injection molding machine, reducing production downtime. CSI4.0 is composed of AI Weight Control, which detects changes in the weight of the molded product through a weight meter linked to the injection machine, and the AI Molding Assistant, which reduces the time it takes to stabilize the initial process by adjusting process conditions through learning and emulating skilled molding experts, said the company.

The resin features chemical resistance, mitigating environmental stress cracking, and is compatible with ethylene oxide (EtO), gamma, and steam sterilization.

Global diabetes cases are expected to soar from 529 million to 1.3 billion by 2050, according to Sabic. This will result in manufacturers that supply the medical and pharmaceutical markets to invest in easy-to-use, consistent, and accurate devices that put diabetes treatment in patients’ hands, said Roble Amanda, director of Advanced Consumer Solutions at Sabic. “This trend requires materials capable of providing high levels of safety, reliability, and durability without compromising productivity or precision in high-volume applications. We are pleased to introduce our new Valox HX325HP grade as a thermoplastic polyester solution that is engineered to exceed the high expectations and strict specifications of manufacturers in these demanding industry segments,” said Amanda.

The injection molding machines incorporate Industry 4.0 features to improve productivity, added LS Mtron. By integrating smart molding functionality acceleration performance is improved, plasticity is increased through adaptable screws with increased RPM, and clamp force monitoring is enabled through a tie-bar sensor. Automated clamping force calibration and an automatic zero adjustment mode function for spring molds are also supported. In addition, the One-E line utilizes a dual center press die structure to minimize mold deformation while boosting. As a result, mold face pressure distribution is improved by 33% on the fixed plate and the life of the mold is extended, according to LS Mtron.

The Informa Markets Engineering network of B2B media sites includes Design News, Battery Technology, Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry (MD+DI), Packaging Digest, PlasticsToday, and Powder & Bulk Solids.

LS Mtron Injection Molding Machines USA has expanded its One-E line of electric injection molding machines with 55-, 90-, 145-, and 440-ton machines. The high-speed line complements the complete range of standard all-electric machines, which range from 35 to 950 tons, said company President Peter Gardner.

Valox HX325HP has been successfully tested to international biocompatibility standards. Preliminary assessments according to ISO 10993 or USP Class VI are available upon request. In addition, the grade is subject to Sabic’s Healthcare Policy, providing reliable formulation lock and change control management in line with FDA and EU guidelines for medical-grade plastics. The resin also serves as a formaldehyde-free alternative to polyoxymethylene (POM) materials.

The CSI4.0 — Connected and Smart Injection — function is a singular feature of One-E injection molding machines. It provides customers with flexibility and ease of implementation of digitally enhanced operations, including data collection, data analysis, and big data processing technology, said the company. An artificial intelligence (AI) stage applies the data from this process to help customers achieve precisely molded parts with excellent surface finishes.