Everything You Need to Know About Vapor Polishing On Medical Devices
Plastics have become an integral part of our daily lives. Everything from our daily use items to industrial equipment are made from different kinds of plastic. However, do you know these plastics require polishing? Indeed, this polishing is done to enhance the exterior appearance and functionality of plastic materials. Flame polishing, vapor polishing mechanical plastic polishing, direct machining, and buffing are some of the popular methods of plastic polishing. Here, we will introduce you to vapor polishing and its benefits for medical devices.
Brief Introduction to Vapor Polishing
This method is employed to polish rough plastic machined or molded parts, small components and 3D printed parts. The vapor polishing is done to enhance rough or opaque surfaces into shiny and brilliant ones. This polishing method is mainly employed for medical device components because they need to look clean and new always. Plastic materials that respond to this kind of polishing are polysulfone, acrylic, ABS, PEI, ULTEM, and polycarbonate.
Understanding How Vapor Polishing is performed on Medical Devices
Vapor polishing is an inexpensive method of improving the look and functionality of plastic medical device components. These components have opaque, marred, or scratched surfaces as a result of tight machining, or molding. While performing the polishing process, the part or surface of the medical device to be polished is exposed to strong Weldon gas vapors. The solvent vapor melts the plastic on a molecular level. After completion of the process, the vapor is allowed to evaporate. The surface becomes clear, smooth, and contaminant-free.
Benefits of Vapor Polishing Medical Device Components
The below-mentioned points indicate why vapor polishing is the prime choice for enhancing medical device components.
- Improves aesthetics of a component by producing an optically clear surface with a high gloss finish.
- Helps smooth out gate areas, markings, and surface irregularities on medical instruments.
- Help remove debris settled on the surface of blood pumping devices.
- Allows unobstructed light passing through the polished surface.
Vapor polishing is performed with a specialized equipment, and requires careful handling as well as precise machining for best results. If done improperly, the polished parts may look opaque, or break under immense pressure. Thus, to avoid negative consequences you should entrust this job to any reputed plastic manufacturer providing machining services.