Medical-Grade Acrylic Alloy aids production of thin-walled parts.

Press Release Summary:



Altuglas® Luctor™ polymethyl methacrylate alloy flows 33 in. in injection mold cavities with dimensions of 0.1 in. thick and 0.5 in. wide. Transparent polymer is resistant to fats, chemicals, plasticizers used in other polymer components, such as PVC tubing, and isopropyl alcohol used to clean medical devices. Also, alloy allows for minimizing of wall thickness when molding devices such as IV line components, using multi-cavity molds.



Original Press Release:



New Altuglas® Luctor(TM) Medical Grade Acrylic Alloy Designed to Reduce Processing Costs



BRISTOL, PA  USA – Altuglas International, a subsidiary of Arkema group introduces Altuglas® Luctor™ polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) alloy that flows twice far as conventional transparent medical polymers in thin wall injection mold cavities. With this new material, devices such as intravenous (IV) line components can be molded with thinner wall sections, using multi-cavity molds to reduce material and processing costs. Altuglas Luctor PMMA is free of bisphenol A (BPA).



"Altuglas Luctor PMMA alloy was primarily designed to improve product and processing costs for PMMA components," said Kirsten MAKEL, Altuglas International's North American Resins Business Director.  "However, the IPA resistance of this alloy makes it more than a high-flow acrylic."



Healthcare cost management initiatives and competition among device companies are placing greater demand on medical component manufacturers to reduce costs. Material costs can be reduced by designing components with thinner wall sections. Processing costs can be reduced by decreasing sprue and runner sizes and increasing the number of cavities in multi-cavity molds. These savings can only be achieved with materials that offer substantial improvements in melt flow. Altuglas Luctor PMMA alloy is a chemical resistant, transparent polymer that offers a step-wise improvement in flow over traditional transparent polymers, such as PMMA and polycarbonate. This new PMMA alloy flows 33in. (838mm) in injection mold cavities with dimensions of 0.1in. (2.5mm) thick and 0.5in. (12.7mm) wide, more than double that of traditional chemical resistant acrylic and polycarbonate.



The superior chemical resistance properties of Altuglas Luctor PMMA alloy allow it to replace polycarbonates in IV line components, such as luers. Like traditional PMMA, this new alloy is resistant to fats (also known as lipids) and plasticizers used in other polymer components, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing. Similar to polycarbonate, the alloy is resistant to isopropyl alcohol (IPA) which is used extensively for cleaning medical devices.



About Altuglas International

Altuglas International, integrated world leader in PMMA, is highly involved in the technical plastics sector – from MMA monomer to PMMA acrylic glass. Altuglas International develops and produces new products to suit the needs of its customers worldwide. It employs 1,300 wholly dedicated staff, who contributes daily to the three business sectors (MMA, PMMA resins, and PMMA sheets). www.altuglasint.com.

 

About Arkema

A global chemical company and France's leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in more than 40 countries, some 14,000 employees and 10 research centers, Arkema should generate annual revenue of approximately $8.3 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands. – www.arkema.com.



Contact:  

Stan Howard

Arkema Inc.

PH: + (1) 610-205-7027

stan.howard@arkema.com


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