The life sciences industry covers a broad range of fields that all require high standards of compliance. Equipment and supplies used in the industry need to not only meet these quality standards, but be durable and reliable as well. That's where life sciences plastics come in. Thanks to their design flexibility, durability and natural resistance to a variety of environmental factors, they're the perfect material for all sorts of tools, machinery and packaging that are used in the life science fields every day. There are five major fields under the life sciences umbrella that regularly use and benefit from plastics.
Dental Applications
If you've been to the dentist for a checkup or other procedure recently, you more than likely encountered a form of plastic. The instruments used to clean your teeth and suction out excess saliva all have plastic elements, whether its suction tubing or the grips that give your dentist a firm hold on their tools. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are the type of life sciences plastics most commonly used for these sorts of flexible applications because of their rubber-like quality.
Laboratory Applications
Plastics for life sciences come in many varieties, and this fact becomes abundantly clear in the lab. Tubing, seals, hoses, optics, fluid handling lines, tools and more are all made out of plastic. Plastics like polycarbonate have such a long resume because they can withstand a wide range of temperatures, resist corrosion and radiation, and have incredible impact strength. The lab can be a harsh environment, so choosing materials that can handle the job, like plastic, is a must.
Medical Applications
Plastic is traceable from raw material to finished product, making it simpler and easier to meet the high compliance standards of the medical field, while also ensuring the safety of patients and medical specialists. On top of high purity standards, plastic has other benefits for medical testing: for example, did you know that plastic is transparent to X-rays? This special quality means it won't interfere with the imaging process while still bringing the benefit of being an antimicrobial, durable material.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Purity and sterility are absolutely essential in the pharmaceutical industry — otherwise, the drugs that are meant to treat patients may turn against them. Plastic helps ensure that pharmaceuticals are manufactured and delivered safely; it's been used to make machine components that create medicines, as well as the bottles and other packaging they hit the shelves in. Plastics in life sciences help drugs maintain a high standard of quality all the way from the lab to your local pharmacy.
Surgical Applications
Operating rooms have to undergo several sterilization techniques and, while necessary, they can be quite harsh on the tools and equipment undergoing the process. Life sciences plastics remain stable under most of the techniques used so hospitals and surgical centers don't need to spend money on replacement parts as often. However, they still have peace of mind that their facility is up for the job, just like their surgeons.
Learn More About Life Sciences Plastics
Plastics for life sciences are as varied as the industry itself. At A&C Plastics, we're confident that plastic is the right choice for your project and your budget. Contact our team of plastics experts today to start a quote, learn more about our custom cutting services or continue reading about life sciences plastics today.