Foster Introduces ProFlex SEBS Polymers

Foster Corporation, a supplier of polymer solutions for the healthcare industry, has introduced ProFlex styrene-ethylene butylene-styrene (SEBS) for medical device applications. These polymers offer a low-cost alternative to other thermoplastic elastomers with superior elastomeric properties, company executives said.

Styrene block copolymers (SBC’s), including SEBS, offer the greatest value among all thermoplastic elastomers. SBC’s provide design flexibility and resilience properties similar to thermoset rubber, while maintaining desirable processing characteristics of thermoplastics. ProFlex SEBS is suitable for use in conventional injection molding and extrusion equipment.

Soft touch over-molding of ProFlex SEBS onto rigid thermoplastic or metal components provides a high friction, ergonomically friendly surface.  Vibration damping and insulating properties make ProFlex SEBS ideally suited for over-molding of medical instrument handles and grips. Additionally, ProFlex SEBS polymers also have 20 percent lower specific gravity than other engineering thermoplastic elastomers, yielding more parts per weight.  

Foster manufactures six standard grades of ProFlex SEBS that meet USP Class VI biocompatibility standards, ranging in Shore hardness of 35A to 85A. These formulations are available in minimum order quantities of 25 pounds. Foster also offers a comprehensive line of tear resistant SEBS grades, as well as a line of low friction SEBS formulation. Minimum order quantities for specialty SEBS materials begin at 50 pounds.

“Although ProFlex SEBS polymers are ideal for non-slip medical device applications, traditional suppliers require several hundred pound minimum orders,” said Larry Johnson, vice president, Foster Corporation. “This can be prohibitive for prototyping medical components which require only 25 pounds for evaluation.  Our low minimum order quantities and 24 hour shipment turnaround on standard grades allow engineers to quickly and economically evaluate new designs.”

Based in Putnam, Conn., Foster Corporation provides custom biomedical polymer compounding services to the medical device industry. Within two ISO 13485:2003 and ISO 9001:2008 certified facilities, Foster offers formulation development and production of polymer enhancements including radiopaque fillers, custom colors, and other specialty additives.