News & Insights

By Mike Ferreira In orthopedic trauma, implant system value is often measured by the nail, plate, screw, or pin left in the patient. That implant represents the OEM’s primary economic return, regulated product, and long-term clinical solution. But the implant’s success depends on something that does not remain in the body: the instrumentation used to place it. This is why trauma guides matter. Trauma guides help surgeons drill intersecting holes... Read More

High-Performance Polymers for Defense Systems face some of the most demanding operational conditions imaginable, from extreme temperature swings between -65°F and 400°F to exposure to corrosive propellants and intense vibration loads. Traditional metals don't deal very well with corrosion and weight constraints, but advanced polymer solutions have proven their value over decades of military service. In this article, we'll get into how mission-critical polymer components address harsh environment challenges. These include PEEK... Read More

    Key Takeaways When selecting polymers for surgical instruments, understanding critical material properties and regulatory requirements ensures optimal performance and patient safety. Sterilization resistance is paramount - Polymers must withstand repeated autoclave cycles at 121-134°C without losing mechanical properties or dimensional stability PEEK dominates high-performance applications - Offers 3,000+ sterilization cycles, bone-matching elasticity, and complete radiolucency for imaging compatibility Match polymer to specific instrument needs - Load-bearing tools require... Read More

Key Takeaways Advanced aerospace plastics are revolutionizing flight systems by delivering exceptional performance while meeting stringent safety and regulatory requirements across diverse applications.   Weight reduction drives fuel efficiency: Carbon fiber reinforced polymers achieve 30-50% weight reduction compared to metals, delivering 20-25% fuel savings in modern aircraft like Boeing's 787 Dreamliner. Extreme performance specifications: High-performance plastics like PEEK and polyimides withstand temperatures up to 343°C while resisting aviation fuels and... Read More

  Aerospace polymer composites offer remarkable weight reduction of 25% to 35% and cost savings of nearly 50% compared to traditional materials. Plastics provide essential benefits in cryogenic applications, including low thermal conductivity, electrical insulating properties, and the ability to function without external lubrication. However, the mechanical behavior of these materials at extreme cold temperatures presents unique challenges. For instance, the modulus of PTFE increases dramatically from approximately 100 kpsi... Read More