Webinar: How to Avoid Environmental Stress Cracking in Medical Equipment Enclosures
Webinar ran: July 2018
Download the recording and slides using the link at the bottom of the page.
The effects of environmental stress cracking (ESC) on plastic medical device components can be a big concern. Many thermoplastics are susceptible to ESC from a wide range of chemical environments. The risk of hospital or healthcare-acquired infection means that surfaces of equipment are regularly sterilized.
Often the chemicals used in cleaning and sanitising solutions used within healthcare can be particularly aggressive to plastics, leading to cracking over a period of time.
It is recommended that suitable testing is carried out to determine the susceptibility of materials to the likelihood of cracking.
This webinar will include information and expert commentary on:
- The mechanisms of failure and test methods (including ISO 22088-3)
- Using the above to evaluate ESC resistance of plastics to different chemical agents.
- How this testing will help with material selection and to design more durable components.
- After the presentation, we will host a live Q&A session.
Your presenters
Dr Andrew Hulme has 17 years' experience as Principal Consultant specialising in plastics at Smithers. He provides independent advice on plastics design and manufacturing to end-users and designers of plastic components in all industries, including; automotive, aerospace, medical devices, oil and gas and consumer goods.
Stephen has over 30 years’ experience of testing polymers and composites. At Smithers he is responsible for managing and delivering projects within the materials testing department for a wide range of clients. He has particular experience of accelerated ageing, creep, and fatigue measurements.
Find out more about our polymer testing and environmental stress cracking test services.
