FDM – PC-ISO
PC-ISO is a specialized version of Polycarbonate (PC) designed specifically for applications that require biocompatibility and chemical resistance, particularly in the medical and healthcare industries. The “ISO” in PC-ISO refers to its ability to meet ISO 10993 standards for biocompatibility, making it suitable for use in medical applications, including devices that come into contact with the human body.
PC-ISO is a blend of polycarbonate’s inherent strength and heat resistance, with the added properties necessary for medical and food-contact environments. It is ideal for applications where parts must endure mechanical stress, moderate heat, and be safely used in proximity to people.
Key Material Facts:
- Biocompatibility: PC-ISO complies with ISO 10993 standards, which means it has been tested and found to be compatible with the human body for short-term or long-term use, depending on the application. It is commonly used in the creation of medical devices, surgical tools, and equipment.
- Chemical Resistance: Like standard polycarbonate, PC-ISO has good resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including oils, greases, and many solvents. This makes it suitable for applications in harsh environments or in contact with various substances, such as medications or cleaning agents.
- Moderate Heat Resistance: PC-ISO has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of around 147°C, which makes it suitable for applications that may experience elevated temperatures, though not as high as more heat-resistant materials like ULTEM or pure Polycarbonate.
- Impact Resistance: Like standard polycarbonate, PC-ISO offers high impact resistance, making it ideal for parts that need to withstand mechanical stress or impacts without cracking or breaking.
- Dimensional Stability: PC-ISO has good dimensional stability, which helps ensure high-quality parts with precise geometry. It is less prone to warping compared to pure Polycarbonate, making it easier to print with on most FDM 3D printers.
- Bonds well with other Materials
- Durable and Weather Resistant
Common Applications:
- Medical Devices: PC-ISO is used to produce parts for medical devices that require biocompatibility and strength. Examples include surgical tools, medical housings, diagnostic equipment, and implants.
- Food and Drug Contact: The material is used for food-grade applications that require compliance with biocompatibility and safety standards, such as containers, packaging, and processing tools.
- Pharmaceuticals: PC-ISO is ideal for use in pharmaceutical equipment, such as parts that come into contact with medicines, chemicals, or medical products.
- Medical Prototyping: PC-ISO is commonly used in the 3D printing of functional prototypes for medical devices and instruments, where testing of the material properties, biocompatibility, and design is necessary before mass production.
- Laboratory Equipment: Due to its chemical resistance, PC-ISO is suitable for producing laboratory tools and equipment that need to withstand exposure to various chemicals or biological agents.
- Wearable Devices: Used for components of wearable medical devices, such as sensors, patient monitoring systems, and exoskeletons, where the material needs to be both durable and biocompatible.
Material Reference Data:
- For more information on how the FDM printing process works please check out this page.
- For FDM part design trick and tips check out this page.
- Material manufacturers website
FDM – PC-ISO: Technical Specifications
Mechanical Properties
| Property Description | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 57 MPa |
| Tensile Elongation | 4% |
| Flexural Strength | 90 MPa |
| Impact Strength (Unnotched) | 53 J/m |
| Heat Deflection (HDT) @ 66 psi, 0.125” | 133°C |
| Volume Resistivity | 1.5x10e14 – 8.0x10e13 ohms |
| Dissipation Factor | .0009 – .0005 |
FDM – PC-ISO: Part Gallery
