Pubblicato: 10. Settembre 2020 Ultimo aggiornamento: 25. Marzo 2024

Soft, resilient, dust-tight and water-proof


KRAIBURG TPE and NEXTIS partner on flexible USB socket protection cover molded in THERMOLAST® for respiratory devices

In close collaboration with KRAIBURG TPE, medical components specialist NEXTIS (France) has developed an articulated cover designed to protect the USB port on respiratory devices against dust and splash water entry. The part is molded in a proven THERMOLAST® compound that delivers a perfect balance of high mechanical properties and aesthetics, ease of injection molding, and reliable resistance against professional cleaners.

As a system supplier of medical components and assemblies, NEXTIS is molding several parts for an advanced respirator from Air Liquide Medical Systems (ALMS), including a flexible protective cover for the device’s USP port. The cover is clipped to the device housing and has a hinged closure that ensures the sealing of the USB socket, when not in use, against the entry of dust particles, splash water, and foreign objects.

“For this application, we needed a soft but resilient material that will reliably withstand the repeated opening and closing of the protective cover over the lifetime of the respiratory device, without deformation and loss of its sealing function,” explains Mr Benoit Lafin, R&D Manager of NEXTIS. “Based on our long-standing collaboration in other projects using thermoplastic elastomers from KRAIBURG TPE, we decided to partner with them again in taking this demanding part design into reality. Their material expertise and support helped us to speed up the development process and maintain overall cost-efficiency. Beyond medical devices, the solution can also be used for similar covers in industrial equipment, as well as in consumer and automotive electronics.”

The TPE compound selected for the articulated cover has proven to be a fit in many other soft-touch aesthetic and functional components. It offers excellent mechanical properties, such as high elongation at break and high tear resistance, as well as long-term dimensional stability, thanks to its low compression set.

Further key requirements to be met included high flowability for short cycle times in injection molding and finished-as-molded surface quality. In addition, the USB socket cover must provide and maintain good resistance against the attack of cleaners used in professional and medical environments, without causing embrittling or discoloration. The THERMOLAST® compound is supplied in opaque color and blended on site with a black masterbatch when injected. If required, the material can also be supplied in specific customized colors.

“The USB port cover from NEXTIS is an outstanding example of a smooth collaboration between material and component suppliers within the medical engineering field,” adds Laurence Cassarino, Sales Representative at KRAIBURG TPE France. “We are pleased to be part of this success, in particular as the respirators on which the protective cover is used meet an urgent need in addressing the persisting coronavirus pandemic. Other current applications in healthcare utilizing our thermoplastic elastomers span from face masks and ventilator tubes, through to valves, connecting pieces, buttons and elastic straps.”

The THERMOLAST® range is available globally and can be easily recycled to meet the demands of enhanced sustainability in a circular plastics economy.

About NEXTIS

NEXTIS SAS (www.nextis.fr), headquartered at Demigny (France) along the axis of Paris–Lyon–Marseille, specializes in the design, injection molding, extrusion, extrusion blow molding and assembly of thermoplastic components. The company is a pan-European market leader in the production of tubes and technical profiles made of polyurethane. NEXTIS is part of the Allizé Plastic Burgundy network for research, know-how, green design and training. Its operations are certified to ISO 9001:2008 (QM) and ISO 13485 (Medical).

 

Soft and resilient: USB socket protection on Osiris respiratory device from Air Liquide Medical Systems (ALMS). Developed in close collaboration with KRAIBURG TPE, the articulated component is molded by NEXTIS in a proven THERMOLAST® compound, which delivers a perfect balance of durable mechanical properties and aesthetics, ease of injection molding and reliable resistance against professional cleaners.
(Image: Air Liquide Medical Systems (ALMS))

Download press release

In our media package you will find comprehensive information, graphics and pictures on the subject.

10.09.2020MEDIA PACKAGE FOR KRAIBURG TPE and NEXTIS partner on flexible USB socket protection cover molded in THERMOLAST® for respiratory devices

Latest News

KRAIBURG TPE pubblica i propri obiettivi per la tutela del clima
01.03.2024 KRAIBURG TPE pubblica i propri obiettivi per la tutela del clima La pubblicazione è stata validata dalla Science-Based-Target-initiative (STBi). read more
Nuovi compound con percentuale di riciclato per il mercato automotive
22.02.2024 Nuovi compound con percentuale di riciclato per il mercato automotive Nel 2024 questi compound sostituiranno le attuali soluzioni basate su materiale riciclato per il mercato automotive. read more
Valori di restringimento secondo DIN EN ISO 294-4
02.02.2024 Valori di restringimento secondo DIN EN ISO 294-4 Il ritiro può essere misurato per qualsiasi durezza Shore. read more
TPE con contenuto di riciclato per adesione in costampaggio su polimeri diversi
08.11.2023 TPE con contenuto di riciclato per adesione in costampaggio su polimeri diversi TPE con un contenuto di materiale riciclato fino al 70%, anche con una bassa durezza Shore A read more

Our Communication team is happy to assist you.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our press spokesperson.

Juliane Schmidhuber

Mirna Pina