The IAPD Magazine is the only publication dedicated to the plastics distribution, manufacturing, fabrication and OEM marketplace. It is the industry's top choice for news and information about comings and goings, cutting-edge applications, industry trends and the latest product introductions. The IAPD Magazine is more than a magazine, it’s an invaluable one-of-a-kind resource.
Current Issue - December/January
|
TOP FEATURES: Plastics in Medical
 |
GUR® ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) is the "gold standard" for synthetic orthopedic joints or joint components such as this ball and socket joint. |
High-performance polymers
deliver quality and stability
High-performance engineering thermoplastics are increasingly replacing metals, ceramics and other traditional materials in high-cost medical technology applications — diagnostics, orthopedic implants, medical supplies, drug packaging, drug delivery and multi-use surgical equipment. The fl exibility of these engineered resins allows manufacturers to bring new products to market quickly, especially in the United States, Europe and Japan, where an upward growth trajectory in demand for medical-grade polymers is expected to continue into the foreseeable future.
Application development in the medical industry
 |
| TECAPRO® MT surgical tray |
Application development for medical devices requires knowledge of material properties to support function, chemical compatibility with sanitizing cleaners and sterilization methods, as well as issues of biocompatibility based on intended use. Material suppliers are challenged to not only address the tried-and-true basics regarding the limitations of materials to support mechanical function, but also whether a material is safe to use in contact with the body, or for use in a general medical environment.
Shaping the future with engineering plastics
 |
| Instrument handles machined from Sustason PPSU MG (Radel®) |
The demand for plastics in the medical industry in the United States will reach US$6.5 billion in 2012, mainly due to heightened concerns over infection control and increased use of disposable products. Packaging will clearly remain the largest market; however, lower volume engineering plastics are expected to significantly outpace commodity plastics.
Departments
Application Showcase | Corporate Profiles | Environmental Corner
Fabrication Services Showcase | People & Places | Plastic Pipeline
Plastics Watch | Product Showcase