Polymer Science: Erreka Medical drives Innovation in Health and Industry
Polymer science has enabled the production of devices for a wide range of applications, including biomedical diagnostic (such as point-of-care diagnostics, personalized medicine, drug screening and organ-on-a-chip models), environmental monitoring (covering air and water quality) and industrial applications (like food and beverage quality control).
Natural and synthetic polymer offer advantages including flexibility, biocompatibility and structural integrity, which are essential parameters for maintaining functionality under mechanical and chemical stresses. Depending on application requirements, the physical and chemical properties of polymers—such as mechanical strength, chemical resistance, optical properties, and electrical conductivity—can be modified. This adaptability allows polymers to be tailored to be flexible or rigid, transparent or opaque, and conductive or insulating.
Injection molding
UOne common mass manufacturing technique for polymer devices is injection molding, in which Erreka Medical, part of MONDRAGON Health alliance, specializes. In this process, molten polymer is injected into a mold cavity at high pressure. The injection molding process involves several steps:
- Heating of the polymer to a molten state.
- Injection the molten polymer into a precision-engineered mold.
- Cooling and solidifying the polymer.
- Opening the mold.
- Ejecting the finished part.
This method enables the production of large quantities of devices with a consistent quality and structural integrity. It allows the production of complex geometries and high aspect ratios ideal for the commercialization of the products. The advantages of injection molding include high production rates, excellent repeatability, and the ability to produce intricate shapes with high precision.
Material selection as a key factor
Selecting the appropriate polymer is crucial for these applications, as the thermal and rheological properties must be suitable for the injection molding process.
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used resin for prototyping, but it is not a compatible material for injection molding. Materials that are compatible with injection molding, and which Erreka Medical uses, include poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), cyclic olefin copolymers (COC) and polycarbonate (PC), among others. PMMA offers excellent optical properties and chemical resistance. COC and cyclic olefin polymers (COP) serve as alternatives for PDMS and PMMA, providing high chemical resistance and low water absorption. PC is a suitable material if the application requires a high mechanical strength and thermal resistance.
You can consult more innovative services for the biohealth sector at MONDRAGON Health.