Plastic Selection Guide for
Micro Machining & Micro Molding

Micro molding and micro machining plastic selection starts with an understanding of the most important design inputs a plastic will need to satisfy the functional requirements of the MIS device. Selecting a plastic is based on a number of traditional material requirements, such as strength, stiffness, or impact resistance. In addition, MIS devices can have their own set of unique material requirements, such as biocompatibility, sterilization, implantability, radiopacity, and chemical resistance. Addressing the following list of questions will ensure the designer and supplier create an optimum component for micro machining or micro molding and for the MIS device application.

1. Are there any important functional requirements needed?
2. Is material certification required?
3. Does the micro machining or micro molding process need to be in a controlled environment?
4. Will it have contact with body tissue of fluids? How long?
5. Single use device? If not, what is the expected usage amount?
6. Will the component go under sterilization? What type?

The table lists the most common variables (design inputs) to be considered for high performance plastics. The plastics identified in the table are the most frequently used for micro molding and micro machining components used in MIS devices. A table like the one shown can provide general guidelines of finding a suitable high performance plastic for any MIS device application. Screening high performance plastics used for micro molding and micro machining MIS devices will help minimize risk and eliminate adverse results during design verification. The table can serve as a “living” document and can be updated as new plastics enter the market for micro machining and micro molding.

PDF version of Plastic Materials Guide