Injection Molding in Medical Technology: Pioneering Innovations for Safer Healthcare

October 10, 2023
Posted in: Blog
By ProMed Staff

Improving patient care and outcomes is a constant priority in the fast-paced healthcare industry. Advancements in medical technology lead this charge, pushing the boundaries of innovation to transform medical device design. Among these advancements, injection molding processes that support medical devices have emerged as a driving factor.

Injection molding is the process of injecting molten or cooled material into a mold cavity, depending on the chemistry of the raw material. It then conforms to the mold cavity’s shape once the material is heated or cooled and solidifies after molding. This approach became popular in the medical sector as it offers cost-effectiveness, design flexibility, and high repeatability and accuracy.

This article will explore the diverse categories of medical devices that are produced through injection molding processes. It will highlight the pioneering advancements revolutionizing healthcare to make it safer and more effective.

Types of Injection Molding Medical Devices and Equipment

Examples of medical devices that benefit from injection-molded components are as follows:

Catheters and Tubing

Catheters are used in medical procedures such as intravenous administration and urinary catheterization. Injection molding has made it possible to create these devices with intricate designs and optimal shapes, improving their navigational ability within the vessels. Medical-grade polymers also ensure biocompatibility, minimizing adverse reactions and promoting safer catheterization.

Diagnostic Components

Microfluidic cartridges and testing kits are examples of diagnostic components requiring intricate design to ensure accurate test results. Injection molding’s ability to produce such tools at scale and with high accuracy has led to more efficient and accessible diagnostic solutions. This facilitates early disease detection and timely medical interventions.

Implantable Devices

From pacemakers and orthopedic implants to intraocular lenses, implantable medical devices have seen significant advancements through injection molding. The technique allows for creating complex shapes and customized designs tailored to individual patient needs. Injection-molded components for medical implants also offer proven biocompatibility.

Prosthetics and Orthotics

The customization potential of injection molding has transformed the field of prosthetics and orthotics. Injection-molded prosthetics are lightweight, durable, and cost-effective, which provide amputees with enhanced mobility. They can be tailored to fit patients’ unique anatomies, ensuring optimal comfort and functionality.

Respiratory Devices

Inhalers, oxygen masks, and other respiratory devices have greatly benefited from injection molding. This manufacturing method enables the production of lightweight, ergonomic, and user-friendly designs. For instance, inhalers can be integrated with dose counters to help patients monitor their medication usage accurately, promoting better disease management.

Surgical Instruments

Injection molding has enhanced the design and production of surgical instruments, contributing to improved surgical outcomes. Manufacturers can create surgical tools with complex shapes, ergonomic grips, and superior durability. Single-use surgical instruments also maintain their sharpness throughout procedures, reducing the risk of infections and improving overall patient safety.

ProMed Molded Products for Reliable Injection Molding Solutions

At ProMed Molded Products, we set exceptional standards with our advanced injection molding technology and cutting-edge equipment! Our highly experienced team with extensive industry knowledge ensures our clients receive superior results. Furthermore, one of our key competencies is fabricating small, precisely designed silicone and plastic components.

About ProMed

ProMed was founded in 1989 to address an industry need for cleanroom manufacturing of silicone components, specifically those having a medical application. Over time, we broadened our product offerings to include assembly, micro-molding of highly engineered plastics, and combination products. We have garnered a reputation as the world benchmark of implantable silicone components and assemblies – and are one of few companies in the world to provide contract manufacturing of drug-eluting products.

ProMed has expertise in working with the full spectrum of silicones covering a wide range of properties and characteristics. We will assist in your material selection to help ensure all design requirements are met. Our manufacturing facilities and equipment are designed for a single purpose—to mold medical and implantable silicone, combination components, and bio-material grade plastics with uncompromising quality and service. We currently have four divisions that are located within two manufacturing sites. All are certified class 10,000 / ISO Class 7 cleanrooms.

We can identify the right manufacturing solution for any project. We have extensive experience in a wide range of injection molding techniques including:

Automated Injection Molding
Multi-cavity tooling
Micro molds and micro molding
Servo-controlled de-molding capabilities
Insert molds, overmolds, and automation integration
Transfer molding
Compression molding

Click here to see why ProMed is your silicone injection molding partner. Contact ProMed today at 763-331-3800 to discuss your next silicone injection molding project