The table below represents the common materials used in medical applications and their typical properties.
 |
Polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE) |
Benefits: Chemical resistance, high temperature resistance, Outstanding Dielectric properties, Surface Lubricity
| Property |
Measure |
|
|
| Sterilization: |
Gas (EtO), Steam (Autoclave) |
|
|
| Specific Gravity: |
2.13-2.24 |
|
|
| Tensile: |
3000 psi (min) |
|
|
| Elongation: |
200% (min) |
|
|
| Hardness Durometer: |
D50-65 |
|
|
| Coefficient Of Friction: |
0.1 |
|
|
| Water Absorption: |
<0.01 % |
|
|
| Melting Point: |
635°F (min) |
|
|
| Continuous Service Temperature (no load): |
500°F (max) |
|
|
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|
Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) |
Benefits: Chemical resistance, Good dielectric properties, Melt processable, Surface lubricity
| Property |
Measure |
|
|
| Sterilization: |
Gas (EtO), Steam (Autoclave) |
|
|
| Specific Gravity: |
2.14-2.17 |
|
|
| Tensile: |
3000 psi (min) |
|
|
| Elongation: |
250% (min) |
|
|
| Hardness Durometer: |
D55 |
|
|
| Coefficient Of Friction: |
0.2 |
|
|
| Water Absorption: |
< 0.01 % |
|
|
| Melting Point: |
500°F (min) |
|
|
| Continuous Service Temperature (no load): |
400°F (min) |
|
|
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|
Ethylene Tetrofluoroethylene (ETFE) |
Benefits: Aging resistant, chemical resistance, Good dielectric properties, melt processable
| Property |
Measure |
|
|
| Sterilization: |
Gas (EtO0, Radiation (Gamma), Steam (Autoclave) |
|
|
| Specific Gravity: |
1.70-1.72 |
|
|
| Tensile: |
5800 psi (min) |
|
|
| Elongation: |
250% (min) |
|
|
| Hardness Durometer: |
D63-72 |
|
|
| Coefficient Of Friction: |
0.4 |
|
|
| Water Absorption: |
0.005-0.007 % |
|
|
| Melting Point: |
490°F (min) |
|
|
| Continuous Service Temperature (no load): |
275°F (max) |
|
|
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|
Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) |
Benefits: Chemical resistance, High purity, Melt processable, Stiffness, Stress and crack resistance
| Property |
Measure |
|
|
| Sterilization: |
Gas (EtO), Steam (Autoclave) |
|
|
| Specific Gravity: |
2.15 |
|
|
| Tensile: |
4000 psi (min) |
|
|
| Elongation: |
300% (min) |
|
|
| Hardness Durometer: |
D60 |
|
|
| Coefficient Of Friction: |
0.2 |
|
|
| Water Absorption: |
< 0.03 % |
|
|
| Melting Point: |
575°F (min) |
|
|
| Continuous Service Temperature (no load): |
500°F (max) |
|
|
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|
Nylon (6, 11, 12) |
Benefits: Good abrasion resistance, Good chemical resistance, High thermal resistance, Kink resistant, Low density
| Property |
Measure |
|
|
| Sterilization: |
Gas (EtO), Radiation (Gamma), Steam (Autoclave) |
|
|
| Specific Gravity: |
1.01-1.14 |
|
|
| Tensile: |
4300 psi (min) |
|
|
| Elongation: |
300% (min) |
|
|
| Hardness Durometer: |
D70-R108 |
|
|
| Coefficient Of Friction: |
N/A |
|
|
| Water Absorption: |
0.3-1.3 % |
|
|
| Melting Point: |
338-410°F (min) |
|
|
| Continuous Service Temperature (no load): |
120-200°F (max) |
|
|
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|
Polyether Block Amide (PEBA) |
Benefits: Durable, Kink resistant, Melt Processable, Range of hardnesses, Shear resistance
| Property |
Measure |
|
|
| Sterilization: |
Gas (EtO), Radiation (Gamma),
Steam (Autoclave) |
|
|
| Specific Gravity: |
1.01-1.02 |
|
|
| Tensile: |
4100 psi (min) |
|
|
| Elongation: |
300% (min) |
|
|
| Hardness Durometer: |
D25-72 |
|
|
| Coefficient Of Friction: |
N/A |
|
|
| Water Absorption: |
0.5-1.2 % |
|
|
| Melting Point: |
290-350°F (min) |
|
|
| Continuous Service Temperature (no load): |
180°F (max) |
|
|
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|
Polycarbonate (PC) |
Benefits: High impact strength, Melt processable, Optical clarity, Rigid
| Property |
Measure |
|
|
| Sterilization: |
Gas (EtO), Radiation (Gamma) |
|
|
| Specific Gravity: |
1.2 |
|
|
| Tensile: |
8000 psi (min) |
|
|
| Elongation: |
75% (min) |
|
|
| Hardness Durometer: |
R120 |
|
|
| Coefficient Of Friction: |
N/A |
|
|
| Water Absorption: |
0.4 % |
|
|
| Melting Point: |
500°F (min) |
|
|
| Continuous Service Temperature (no load): |
250°F (max) |
|
|
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|
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
Benefits: Good chemical resistance, Light weight, Melt processable, Semi-rigid
| Property |
Measure |
|
|
| Sterilization: |
Gas (EtO), Radiation (Gamma) |
|
|
| Specific Gravity: |
0.95-0.96 |
|
|
| Tensile: |
3850 psi (min) |
|
|
| Elongation: |
850% (min) |
|
|
| Hardness Durometer: |
D66 |
|
|
| Coefficient Of Friction: |
N/A |
|
|
| Water Absorption: |
0.03 % |
|
|
| Melting Point: |
250°F (min) |
|
|
| Continuous Service Temperature (no load): |
175°F (max) |
|
|
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|
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) |
Benefits: Flexible, Good chemical resistance, Light weight, Melt processable
| Property |
Measure |
|
|
| Sterilization: |
Gas (EtO), Radiation (Gamma) |
|
|
| Specific Gravity: |
0.91-0.93 |
|
|
| Tensile: |
1700 psi (min) |
|
|
| Elongation: |
500% (min) |
|
|
| Hardness Durometer: |
D52 |
|
|
| Coefficient Of Friction: |
N/A |
|
|
| Water Absorption: |
0.03 % |
|
|
| Melting Point: |
220°F (min) |
|
|
| Continuous Service Temperature (no load): |
145°F (max) |
|
|
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|
Polyurethane (PUR) (Aliphatic) |
Benefits: Does not yellow with age, Excellent abrasion resistance, Medical grade, Range of hardnesses, Softens in vivo
| Property |
Measure |
|
|
| Sterilization: |
Gas (EtO), Radiation (Gamma) |
|
|
| Specific Gravity: |
1.24-1.54 |
|
|
| Tensile: |
5000 psi (min) |
|
|
| Elongation: |
300% (min) |
|
|
| Hardness Durometer: |
80A-72D |
|
|
| Coefficient Of Friction: |
N/A |
|
|
| Water Absorption: |
0.1-1.0 % |
|
|
| Melting Point: |
305°F (min) |
|
|
| Continuous Service Temperature (no load): |
145°F (max) |
|
|
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|
Polyurethane (PUR) (Aromatic) |
Benefits: Good biocompatibility, Good chemical resistance, Medical grade, Range of hardnesses, Softens in vivo
| Property |
Measure |
|
|
| Sterilization: |
Gas (EtO), Radiation (Gamma) |
|
|
| Specific Gravity: |
1.10-1.40 |
|
|
| Tensile: |
5000 psi (min) |
|
|
| Elongation: |
250% (min) |
|
|
| Hardness Durometer: |
75A-75D |
|
|
| Coefficient Of Friction: |
N/A |
|
|
| Water Absorption: |
0.1-1.0 % |
|
|
| Melting Point: |
350°F (min) |
|
|
| Continuous Service Temperature (no load): |
190°F (max) |
|
|
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|
Polypropylene (PP) |
Benefits: Ease of processing, Low cost
| Property |
Measure |
|
|
| Sterilization: |
Gas (EtO), Steam (Autoclave) |
|
|
| Specific Gravity: |
0.90-0.91 |
|
|
| Tensile: |
3000 psi (min) |
|
|
| Elongation: |
50% (min) |
|
|
| Hardness Durometer: |
R85-105 |
|
|
| Coefficient Of Friction: |
N/A |
|
|
| Water Absorption: |
0.01-0.03 % |
|
|
| Melting Point: |
334°F (min) |
|
|
| Continuous Service Temperature (no load): |
175°F (max) |
|
|
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|
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) |
Benefits: No plasticizer to migrate, Optical clarity, Outstanding toughness
| Property |
Measure |
|
|
| Sterilization: |
Gas (EtO), Radiation (Gamma) |
|
|
| Specific Gravity: |
0.92-0.96 |
|
|
| Tensile: |
1300 psi (min) |
|
|
| Elongation: |
250% (min) |
|
|
| Hardness Durometer: |
A85-96 |
|
|
| Coefficient Of Friction: |
N/A |
|
|
| Water Absorption: |
0.1 % |
|
|
| Melting Point: |
150°F (min) |
|
|
| Continuous Service Temperature (no load): |
100°F (max) |
|
|
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|
ACETAL |
Benefits: Resistant to solvents, Rigid and Wear resistant
| Property |
Measure |
|
|
| Sterilization: |
Gas (EtO), Steam (Autoclave) |
|
|
| Specific Gravity: |
1.29-1.71 |
|
|
| Tensile: |
3000 psi (min) |
|
|
| Elongation: |
60% (min) |
|
|
| Hardness Durometer: |
M70-98 |
|
|
| Coefficient Of Friction: |
N/A |
|
|
| Water Absorption: |
0.18-0.25 % |
|
|
| Melting Point: |
320°F (min) |
|
|
| Continuous Service Temperature (no load): |
200°F (max) |
|
|
Disclaimer Of Warranty And Liability
The data set forth in all tables, charts, graphs and figures herein are based on available reference materials and are not guaranteed for any or all applications. Such data are intended as guides and do not reflect product specifications for any particular property. Testing and validation of the product is the responsibility of the end user.
Design
