Autoclavable
Autoclavable plastics for repeated steam sterilization
Many plastic materials, including polysulfone (PSU), Ultem®, PPSU, and PEEK, can be used for medical devices and equipment where repeated steam sterilization is required. Common applications include surgical instrument handles, sterilization trays, fluid handling couplings, luer fittings, caddies, lids, and other reusable components that need hydrolytic and thermal stability.
The number of autoclave cycles a plastic component can withstand before deteriorating depends on the material, autoclave settings, part geometry, and level of stress in the part. Use this page as a starting point to compare autoclavable plastic materials, then review the plastic properties table, ask a plastics expert for help with your application, or get a quote when you are ready to discuss material availability, sizing, documentation, or fabrication needs.
Curbell Plastics can help you:
- Compare autoclavable plastics for repeated steam sterilization, hydrolytic stability, thermal performance, and chemical exposure.
- Evaluate material options for sterilization trays, surgical instrument handles, couplings, luer fittings, caddies, lids, and reusable medical components.
- Identify plastic materials to consider for your application, part geometry, autoclave conditions, documentation needs, and fabrication process.
PEEK
Strong, stiff plastic with outstanding chemical resistance; performs over a wide range of temperatures.
PCTFE
Fluoropolymer with outstanding dimensional stability, mechanical properties, and temperature range.
PFA
Flexible fluoropolymer that performs well in extreme temperature and harsh chemical environments.
PPSU
High temperature thermoplastic material with outstanding impact resistance that is autoclavable.
PEEK
Strong, stiff plastic with outstanding chemical resistance; performs over a wide range of temperatures.
PCTFE
Fluoropolymer with outstanding dimensional stability, mechanical properties, and temperature range.
PFA
Flexible fluoropolymer that performs well in extreme temperature and harsh chemical environments.
PPSU
High temperature thermoplastic material with outstanding impact resistance that is autoclavable.
Not sure which materials best fit your needs?
Our experienced sales and technical teams are available to assist you with material selection challenges.
