Eastman Chemical : 2015, Mar 24 - Eastman, Prestige Develop First-of-its-kind Multi-cavity Mold for Intricate Medical Devices

​Latest molding technology streamlines project startup, reduces costs for manufacturers

Kingsport, Tenn., USA - March 23, 2015 - Eastman Chemical Company and Prestige Mold Incorporated have collaborated to create a first-of-its-kind multi-cavity, hot runner mold for producing intricate medical parts. The specialty chemical company and precision mold manufacturer proactively created the 32-cavity mold specifically for Eastman Tritan™ copolyester to address future customer needs for durable medical device parts free of bisphenols A and S. Through the mold development, the companies also learned how to streamline future project startups and processes, while reducing project costs. The collaboration will be showcased at NPE2015, March 23-27, in Orlando, Florida, and on Eastman's website for knowledge sharing, TritanMoldIt.com.

"Medical parts have to withstand the wear and tear that comes with ongoing exposure to aggressive disinfectants and harsh oncology drugs," said Burt Capel, vice president and general manager, Specialty Plastics, Eastman. "We wanted to proactively address these concerns for manufacturers. To do so, we employed Prestige Mold's expertise to create a quality mold for Eastman Tritan™ copolyester."

Customer needs lead collaboration
The idea for the mold was prompted by customer needs for small medical device parts that are produced in a multi-cavity hot runner mold. Customers also required device parts that are free of bisphenols A and S and can withstand sterilization and harsh chemicals. Eastman Tritan™ copolyester is well-suited for the medical device market because it improves upon typical copolyesters that traditionally have good chemical resistance. It is especially strong against aggressive disinfectants used to prevent hospital-acquired infections, has a low contamination rate and excels in secondary processing. To feature these qualities, a mold was made specifically to work well with Tritan.

The companies worked with Mold-Masters (owned by Milacron LLC), the world's leading supplier of hot runner technology and systems, and Pres-Tek Plastics, Inc., a medical molding and technology center, to develop the mold. Mold-Masters built the machinery, while Pres-Tek honed in on the molding process and validated the mold. The demonstration research and development mold is used as an example for running a universal female luer. The luer is designed to meet the upcoming ISO Standard 80369 for small bore connectors, proactively addressing customer concerns.

"Our first run of the mold was impeccable, without any process or ejection issues. The success we've had with this mold speaks to our belief in the importance of early and ongoing collaboration," said Donna Pursell, chief executive officer, Prestige Mold. "Four companies were able to work together to push each of our capabilities and use each other's expertise. Now, the companies involved are better able to help customers from product concept all the way through the final production."

NPE2015 attendees can see the mold in action during the show as it runs at Milacron's booth, W2703. At Prestige's booth, W6587, attendees can learn more about Prestige and Pres-Tek's work.

Attendees also can learn more about the mold and see other innovative collaborations at Eastman's room during the show, S230D. There, attendees also can gather inspiration from TritanMoldIt.com. The website - created to provide molders with a direct resource for processing solutions and sharing knowledge and experiences related to Eastman Tritan™ copolyester - will feature the Prestige Mold collaboration.