How Are Plastics Used in Medical Equipment and the Medical Industry?

Medical products must match compliance standards. Many plastics work well for creating medical equipment for the medical industry, meeting national standards, and ensuring professionals can operate at the highest possible standard. There are many ways these plastics go to use. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how plastics come to life in the medical industry and medical equipment, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about how plastics work in the medical field and why medical professionals rely so much on this product for various needs. 

How Are Plastics Used in the Medical Field? 

Plastics play a vital role in helping medical equipment meet quality standards in the field. They play many roles, from serving as the foundation of critical products to assisting in the carrying process of sterilized medical tools and equipment. Many plastics are used in the medical field for various purposes.  

Let’s talk more about how plastics come to life in the medical field. From sterilization trays to medical imaging equipment, they play a role in keeping products and tools at the top of their game. There are many types of plastics and many reasons they go to work in the field. 

Sterilization Trays 

One of the most common uses for plastics in the medical field is sterilization trays. Trays are necessary to move vital tools, such as surgical instruments, from one location to another in a clean manner. Plastic makes up the medical trays, lids, and caddies.  

Plastics have excellent ergonomics, come in multiple colors, and permit quality steam resistance. They can withstand multiple cleaning cycles and are stronger than other materials on the market. With sterilization trays, it’s necessary to sanitize them often. Plastic can handle cleanings with ease. 

There are many types of plastic available, such as polypropylene and other biocompatible materials. They improve the landscape of the medical world for hygienic and practical purposes. 

Radiology and Other Medical Imaging Equipment 

Another use for plastic is for radiology and other medical imaging equipment. It’s vital for the items that make up this technology to withstand high temperatures and intense performance. Plastic is a part of that. 

Plastic helps create items like: 

• Positron emission tomography 
• Computed tomography 
• Magnetic resonance imaging 
• Biopsy units 
• C-arms 
• Ultrasound 
• X-ray 

Plastic makes up critical components in each of these technologies. 

Radiology and medical imaging equipment are advanced additions to the medical world, permitting views and solutions like never before. Performance plastics help bring each piece to life for a better future. 

Mobility Products 

Mobility products are another area where you will find plastics. Structures built to support patients and various contact surfaces are developed with plastic, designed to sustain the patient. They have excellent surface textures, are made to last, and withstand cleaning products and wear and tear over time. 

Many wheelchair companies use plastic to create quality products for their buyers. Plastic creates wheelchair solutions that weigh much less than their metal counterparts. 

Surgical And Dental Instruments 

Lastly, surgical and dental instruments are developed with plastic. Instruments made with this material are ergonomic, lightweight, machinable, and easy to sterilize. It takes much less to handle this instrument than one made with a heavier material. Dentists and doctors can use higher levels of precision for a better experience and results. 

With easier handling ability comes better results in surgeries and everyday procedures. Medical and dental professionals can help their patients feel more comfortable and distinguish between various points in the body. 

Water resistance, dexterity, wear resistance, and x-ray opacity are critical features in medical equipment. High-performance plastic makes all these things possible for doctors and dentists alike. 

Why Do Medical Professionals Rely On Plastics? 

Metal and other materials are excellent for the medical world, but plastics are another beneficial product. There are many uses for plastics and reasons why medical professionals encourage their use in medical equipment and the medical industry. 

Medical professionals rely on plastics because they are: 

• Able to allow professionals to design with flexibility 
• Biocompatible 
• Lightweight  
• Able to perform under high temperatures 
• Able to be welded into different shapes 
• Resistant to repeated sterilization cycles and chemicals 
• Able to produce x-ray opacity 
• Hydrophilic and hydrophobic 

There are many benefits of plastic in the medical world. 

Thermoplastic materials are valuable when developing and producing medical technology and devices. Manufacturers and other high-level individuals make the most of plastic for its many capabilities in the arena of production. 

What Are The Benefits Of Performance Plastics? 

There are tons of benefits to using performance plastics in the medical field. They provide quality properties, each with a different purpose for professional products and technology. Plastic is different from other materials in that it possesses many excellent characteristics - chemical resistance, impact resistance, flexibility, lack of moisture absorption, and more. 

Performance plastics are also used to: 

• Form replacement joints 
• Create therapy equipment 
• Assist with transfusions 
• Create orthopedics and prosthetics 
• Bring to life diagnostic equipment 

There are a million uses for plastic in the medical field. If you need something created, plastic can do it. The product is easy to bend, shape, and mold into whatever you need it to be. Performance plastics meet quality standards and assist in every aspect of the medical world. We have everything you need to obtain the right plastics for medical production. 

Final Thoughts 

We hope this information was helpful! There are many uses for plastics in the medical field, from sterilization trays to mobility products. Medical professionals rely on plastics because they are flexible, lightweight, biocompatible, perform well under high temperatures, and have many other qualities. Plastic is practical for medical needs. 

We hope this information was helpful! Plastics are a common substance used in medical equipment and the medical industry. If you are interested in obtaining plastics for medical purposes, contact Laird Plastics. We have many suppliers available, ready to serve you and provide the best materials for your business needs.