Introduction to Medical Device Plastic Injection Molding

Medical device injection molding is a manufacturing technique that injects molten material into a mold cavity under high pressure. After the material cools and solidifies, the mold opens, and the formed part is ejected. Medical device plastic injection molding is suitable for producing parts with complex shapes and high precision requirements, making it ideal for low-cost, large-scale production.

Medical Device Injection Molding Process

• The mold cavity defines the shape of the part: The mold is a cavity or space that has the desired shape of the part.

  
  

• Material (melted plastic) injected into the mold cavity: The melted plastic is injected into the mold cavity under pressure through a nozzle.

  
  

• Plastic cools and solidifies: After entering the mold cavity, the plastic rapidly cools and solidifies through the mold's cooling system, retaining the desired shape and structure.

  
  

• Part ejection: Once the plastic is fully cooled and solidified, the mold opens, and the operator can remove or eject the formed part.

  
  

• Process repeats: The entire process begins again with the injection of new melted plastic, continuously repeating until the required production quantity is reached.

Material Selection for Medical Device Injection Molding

Mold Materials

The choice of mold material depends on production needs, cost, and precision requirements. Common materials include:

• Plastic mold steel: Best for high-precision applications.

  
  

• High-speed tool steel: Provides excellent wear resistance for long-term production.

  
  

• Hot-work tool steel: Resistant to high temperatures, suitable for high-melting-point plastics.

  
  

• Cold-work tool steel: Used in specific low-temperature molding processes.

Common Plastic Materials of Medical Device Injection Molding

• Plastics used in medical device molding must have high strength, chemical resistance, biocompatibility, and excellent processing performance. Commonly used materials include:

  
  

• Polypropylene (PP): Lightweight and chemically stable, often used for disposable medical devices.

  
  

• Polycarbonate (PC): Known for its strength, transparency, and impact resistance, making it suitable for medical device housings and precision components.

  
  

• Polyether ether ketone (PEEK): Highly biocompatible and heat-resistant, ideal for implantable devices and high-end medical equipment.

  
  

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): Offers excellent mechanical strength and chemical resistance, commonly used in medical packaging and consumables.

Advantages of Medical Device Plastic Injection Molding

• Mass Production: Allows efficient, automated manufacturing with consistent product quality.

  
  

• Fast Molding Speed: Short cycle times boost production efficiency.

  
  

• Diverse Material Options: A wide range of plastics, including heat-resistant, impact-resistant, and biocompatible materials, are available.

  
  

• Low Unit Cost: Large-scale production reduces the cost per unit.

  
  

• High Precision and Repeatability: Ensures uniformity in high-precision medical components.

  
  

• Superior Surface Quality: Produces smooth surfaces that meet medical industry standards.

  
  

• Complex Geometries: Capable of manufacturing intricate parts without additional assembly.

  
  

• Minimized Waste: High material utilization reduces waste and lowers production costs.

Essai, as one of the leading medical injection molding companies, boasts unmatched expertise and advantages in traditional powder metallurgy, machining, and precision casting. With its strong technical foundation and commitment to excellence, Essai is well-positioned to continue delivering innovative solutions and high-quality medical plastic injection molding products. By leveraging advanced technologies and adhering to stringent industry standards, Essai continues to innovate in medical plastics, ensuring reliable, precise, and customized solutions that meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals and patients.

Medical device plastic injection molding is a crucial technology in the healthcare industry, offering high precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. By carefully selecting mold and plastic materials, manufacturers can ensure the quality and performance of medical devices while adhering to strict industry standards. This process is essential for meeting the growing demand for reliable and innovative medical solutions.