Thermoplastics compounder RTP Co. offers friction testing services for disposable medical goods.
The Winona, Minn., firm has developed a test to predict friction behavior in items that contain plastic-to-plastic rubbing surfaces. RTP claims there has been no established test to determine friction behavior for such products.
RTP explored numerous combinations of resins and additives in developing its test. Resins examined include polycarbonate, acetal, ABS, ABS/PC alloy, high density polyethylene and polybutylene terephthalate. RTP combined the polymers with friction-reducing additives such as polytetrafluoroethylene, perfluoropolyether oil, silicones and RTP's proprietary polymeric wear alloy APWA Plus.
RTP says friction testing can cut down on trial and error and could avoid the use of external lubricants or extra processing steps in production of auto-injectors, injection pens, stopcocks and safety syringes. Friction properties of plastic on plastic in these items can be affected by long periods of storage, shipping and exposure to temperature variation.
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