With their versatile range of performance properties, today’s advanced thermoset polyurethanes are being used for an ever-growing variety of medical applications including equipment housings, device components, anatomical models and educational training aids.  The materials are economical, easy to process, and generate durable and aesthetically attractive parts.  Water clear, flame retardant, flexible to rigid, and heat resistant capabilities further expand the suitability of polyurethanes for use in the medical market.

The Innovative Polymers polyurethanes product line includes a variety of systems that are proven performers for medical applications.  The Shore A and Shore D hardness materials feature easy-to-process low viscosities for molding thick or thin-walled parts and for casting over threaded and hinged inserts.  Innovative Polymers specializes in color matching materials to customer requirements to ensure that multi-piece housing assemblies have a consistent, high-quality appearance.

Among the Innovative Polymers polyurethanes frequently used for medical projects are:

• Shore A Elastomers are flexible to semi-flexible systems that produce accurate, low-shrinkage castings.  Some of the materials exhibit excellent resistance to UV light.  Demold time is typically less than six hours, depending on part mass
• Advanced Shore D Polyurethanes are ideal for casting a full range of models, prototypes and parts.  The polymers exhibit medium to high flexural modulus values and good tensile strength.
• Rapid Cast, Fast Cure Polyurethanes are formulated for automated meter/mix dispensing to quickly produce prototypes and initial parts.  Several materials in this product family are flame retardant and meet UL 94 V-O standards; one has a yellow card.  High flexural modulus and high heat deflection temperatures also characterize this series of polyurethanes.
• Vacuum Assisted Casting Polyurethanes in the Innovative Polymers line include Shore A and Shore D hardness products.  Shore A hardness materials have good elongation and tear strength.  Shore D hardness products include white, translucent, tan and water clear polyurethanes that are well suited for the production of thin-walled parts as well as dental and demonstration models.  Flexural modulus values range from 320,000 psi to 997,000 psi and heat deflection temperatures are as high as 203ºF (95ºC).