Genesis Plastics Welding, PolyOne Develop RF Welding Breakthrough for TPEs

Facing environmental and health concerns with the use of traditional materials, manufacturers of medical fluid-delivery products are looking for alternatives that avoid the use of halogens and plasticizers. Claiming that it now offers a breakthrough technology, Genesis Plastics Welding (Indianapolis) has developed an RF welding method in conjunction with PolyOne GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers (Cleveland) that enables nonhalogenated and nonplasticized GLS Versaflex thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) to be RF welded into any 2-D shape or configuration, including mandrels.

Collaboration between the companies expands the portfolio of Versaflex grades that can be welded using the ecoGenesis technology, improving the flexibility, mechanical properties, clarity, and aesthetics of fluid-delivery products, according to the companies. Previous RF welding techniques were restricted to handling high-dielectric-loss materials. TPEs could only be heat sealed, limiting configurations to straight lines. In contrast, the ecoGenesis technology enables nonphthalate, low-dielectric-loss materials to be RF welded. Applications include infusion kits, blood transfer and drainage bags, and urinary bags.