To ensure that HMEs operate reliably and enhance respiratory therapy, the material used in molding them is critical. Toyolac Transparent ABS Resin, a unique and patented polymer formulated by Toray, Industries Inc., has been proven to be a superior choice for molders of these Heat and Moisture Exchangers.
Toyolac is a well-balanced resin and a FDA Drug Master File registered material. It is USP Class 6 tested and meets ISO 10993 for biocompatibility. Specific tests include -4 for blood interactions, -5 for in vitro cytoxicity, -10 for irritation and skin sensitization and -11 for systemic cytotoxicity. (Toyolac does not contain bisphenol-A, an industrial chemical commonly used to make plastics which through exposure can cause health problems.)
With robust resistance to lipids, alcohol and cleaning agents, Toyolac produced HMEs provide a patient considerate, long-lasting clear plastic design. The material has structural strength and stiffness and is resistant to scratching. Most important, the material has a stable quality and enables long-term adoption because of Toray’s no change “Production Methods”, no change “Formulations” and no change “Test Methods/Equipment” policy ensuring long term stability for manufacturers and regulatory requirements.
From an injection molding standpoint, Toyolac produced HMEs also have many advantages. The material requires lower molding temperatures and lower pressure requirements compared to polycarbonate materials. Using Toyolac resin, injection molders can achieve more mold cavitation with easier flowability of the resin at lower temperatures. Lower operating cylinder temperatures ranging from 210°C to 260°C provides smoother resin flow, increased cycle times with decreased part flash. Toyolac’s excellent flow capabilities allows molding of thin-walled part features. Also, with these lower operating temperatures, Toyolac provides less tooling wear, decreased downtime and overall longer mold life.
From a value-added standpoint, Toyolac is easy to machine, glue and print with excellent solvent adhesive properties to meet multiple component assembly requirements.
Toyolac ABS Resin is globally proven for medical applications in liquid-contact devices other than implants. Now available to North American Medical OEM’s, Toyolac is a superior, low cost option for improved HME design and manufacture. Toyolac’s manufacturer, Toray, was the first manufacturer and is the world’s largest manufacturer of transparent ABS resin. Toray is a global leader in polymer chemistry, organic synthetic chemistry and biotechnology. The company now provides expanded sales to North American medical OEM’s along with expert customer support for improved HME product development and manufacturing.