Smart Molding International 1-2023

49 www.smart-molding.com materials equivalent to that of PC resins at thin-wall geometries of 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm, and offer translucency at higher thicknesses. They also deliver high impact resistance across a wide temperature range (down to -40°C), excellent dimensional stability and good processability. Both grades meet the UL94 HB standard for horizontal burning. The new LNP ELCRES CRX1314TW copolymer and its bio-based version can help customers avoid the trade- offs associated with incumbent transparent materials. Amorphous resins like PC provide excellent clarity and dimensional stability for tight part tolerancing, but typically have insufficient chemical resistance to harsh disinfectants. Semi-crystalline materials, while offering higher inherent chemical resistance exhibit significant shrinkage and part warpage that can negatively affect part tolerances. Due to high moisture absorption, they may be difficult to process and generate excessive scrap resulting from surface defects. Amorphous co-polyesters may be incompatible with harsh disinfectants and may exhibit processing tradeoffs that may lead to potential production inefficiencies. Improved Sustainability The new SABIC materials contribute to sustainability goals by helping customers design and manufacture dev i ces wi t h opt imi zed s e r v i c e l i f e . I mp r o v e d c h e m i c a l a n d i mp a c t resistance can help to reduce premature part damage and failures. Greater durability results in a more positive life cycle, as fewer devices need to be replaced and, consequently, fewer are disposed to landfills. Through expanded thin- wa l l d e s i g n f r e e d om , the LNP CRX copolymers enable sustainability to be i ncorporated i n dev i ces up front. They can help designers reduce overall pa r t d imen s i on s , con s o l i da t e parts and materials, and enhance manufacturing efficiencies with thin-wall molding, which is becoming increasingly important in the design o f sma l l er and l i ghter-we i ght applications such as portable and hand-held medical equipment. Materials based on certified renewable feedstocks could be a great option to help device manufacturers meet their sustainability objectives. Because medical device applications are subject to strict regulatory requ i rement s , any change i n material selection triggers product requalification efforts that are costly for manufacturers. The new LNP ELCRIN CRX grade enhances circularity through the incorporation of renewable feedstock derived from non-fossil, bio-based content from waste materials that do not compete with the food chain. The incorporation of renewable feedstock does not compromise product quality and provides identical performance compared to virgin materials. LNP ELCRIN CRX grade can provide a potential drop-in solution to avoid requalification and meet regulatory requirements. LNP ELCRIN CRX1314BTW resin can offer reductions in carbon footprint of up to 42 percent when compared to the fossil-based version in accordance with ISO 14040/14044 protocols. SABIC ’s Specialties business has received International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Plus (ISCC+) designation at its production facilities in Cobourg, Canada, Benoi, Singapore and Pont i ro l o, I ta l y, enab l i ng recognition of its new LNP ELCRIN CRX1314BTW grade, and other mass- balance, certified renewable grades. Streamlined Manufacturing To streamline the manufacturing process, LNP ELCRES CRX1314TW and LNP ELCRIN CRX1314BTW grades can offer several advantages, including laser welding capability. To meet the healthcare industry’s growing need for high-precision, vibration- free assembly technology, these new copolymer resins provide near- infrared (IR) transmission optical properties that are required for laser welding. They enable leakproof, low- stress welds without the need for adhesives. SABIC ’s first LNP ELCRES CRX materials that were launched in 2020 are opaque and custom colorable. The introduction of thin-wall transparent LNP CRX copolymers now gives customers a broader selection of high-performance materials for a wide range of applications across multiple industries. In addition to providing benefits for healthcare devices and wearables, the new LNP CRX products can help protect against the effects of chemicals used in sunscreen, hand creams and insect repellent, which can potentially degrade consumer electronics and industrial applications. SABIC ’s new LNP ELCRES CRX1314TW and LNP ELCRIN CRX1314BTW copolymer resins are globally available. SABIC www.sabic.com