The first wire and cable compound in the Medalist family of
medical elastomers is formulated and produced in accordance with stringent medical-industry
requirements yet draws on technology with a long track record of success in
non-medical insulation and jacketing applications.
Like other Medalist elastomers, Medalist MD458 compound is a
high-purity formulation that has passed ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity testing, is
RoHS and REACh compliant, and is manufactured in Teknor Apex’s dedicated
medical compounding facility in St.
Albans, VT. At the
same time, the new compound provides the same electrical performance, elevated
service temperature rating, and resistance to chemicals and sunlight as the
company’s Elexar EL8431, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with more than two
decades of service in wire and cable.
“As an exact medical-grade analog to a proven Elexar
compound, Medalist MD458 draws on the extensive experience of Teknor Apex in
serving both the electrical and medical sectors,” said Nick Sandland, senior
medical market manager. “It is our belief that this new compound is the first
elastomer to be fully compliant with the standards and practical performance requirements
of both industries.”
Medalist MD458 has a Shore A hardness of 70, a flammability
classification of HB (UL-94), and a maximum continuous operating temperature
rating of 105ºC (UL-1581). It has passed standard tests for oil resistance after
seven days at 60ºC and UV resistance after 720 hours. These properties lend
themselves to applications in hospital and healthcare environments requiring excellent
flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance.