Americhem Unveils EcoLube™ MD: PFAS-Free Internally Lubricated Compounds for Healthcare Applications
Americhem, Inc., a globally recognized leader in the design and manufacturing of custom color masterbatch, functional additives, engineered compounds, and performance technologies, is proud to introduce the EcoLube™ MD line of PFAS-free internally lubricated compounds. Specifically tailored for use in medical devices and various healthcare applications.
this new product line marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and regulatory compliance. Building on the success of EcoLube™ launched in 2024, EcoLube™ MD offers substantial benefits to healthcare manufacturers by providing a sustainable, non-PFAS solution that addresses wear and friction concerns while promoting environmental stewardship.
Meeting the Demand for Sustainability in Healthcare
As the global healthcare industry continues to prioritize sustainability, healthcare Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are faced with the challenge of finding lubrication solutions that both meet performance standards and comply with evolving regulations. EcoLube™ MD addresses this challenge by delivering an effective solution for reducing wear, friction, and noise in medical device applications, without relying on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are increasingly under regulatory scrutiny.
PFAS, commonly used for their friction-reducing properties, have come under intense focus due to their environmental and health risks. With growing restrictions on PFAS materials worldwide, particularly in sensitive sectors like healthcare, finding viable alternatives has become essential. EcoLube™ MD provides a reliable, sustainable option that ensures manufacturers meet the requirements of existing and forthcoming regulations, while simultaneously reducing their environmental footprint.
The EcoLube™ MD Advantage for Healthcare Applications
The EcoLube™ MD line is designed to offer superior lubrication and wear resistance for a range of healthcare-related applications, including minimally invasive surgical devices, syringe pumps, prosthetics, surgical robots, and more. The pre-lubricated engineered compounds and alloys in the EcoLube™ MD line help reduce friction between plastic-on-plastic and plastic-on-metal surfaces, offering smoother operation, lower noise levels, and enhanced durability for moving plastic parts. These advantages are crucial for ensuring the longevity, safety, and efficacy of medical devices that require precise, high-performance functionality.
Matt Miklos, Vice President/General Manager of Americhem’s engineered compounds division, highlighted the growing importance of sustainability and regulatory compliance in the healthcare industry. He explained, “Healthcare OEMs are under increasing pressure to ensure that their products meet stringent regulatory standards while maintaining high levels of performance. With the global trend of potentially restricting or banning PFAS and PTFE, EcoLube™ MD serves as a game-changing solution that provides the same lubricating performance without the risks associated with PFAS.”
Testing and Certification: Ensuring Compliance and Performance
Linda Boyett, Vice President of Global Technology & Innovation at Americhem, emphasized that EcoLube™ MD has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it meets both performance and biocompatibility standards. Internal testing has shown that EcoLube™ MD performs comparably to traditional internal lubricants and wear-resistant additives, in most cases delivering similar or even superior results.
One of the most critical aspects of medical device manufacturing is biocompatibility. To meet this requirement, EcoLube™ MD has undergone ISO 10993-5 testing, a globally recognized certification for the biocompatibility of materials in contact with the human body. The successful completion of this testing confirms that EcoLube™ MD is a safe and effective solution for medical applications, further solidifying its place as a reliable choice for the healthcare industry.
“ISO 10993-5 testing is an essential benchmark for medical device manufacturers, ensuring that the materials used in their products are biocompatible and safe for patients. We’re proud to offer EcoLube™ MD as a proven solution that combines sustainability with high performance,” said Boyett.
Advancing Lubrication Technology: The EcoLube™ Family
EcoLube™ is revolutionizing the way lubrication is integrated into materials by embedding specially designed functional additives directly into the compound. This embedded lubrication technology delivers long-lasting performance and ensures that friction-reducing properties are sustained over time. Unlike traditional lubrication methods, EcoLube™ does not require external lubricants, offering a cleaner, more efficient solution for high-performance applications.
The EcoLube™ product line includes a variety of functional additives that can be tailored to specific requirements, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of lubrication challenges. Some of the key offerings within the EcoLube™ family include:
- Solid State, Non-Migrating Lubricants: These additives are designed to withstand extreme pressures, reducing frictional wear and preventing “slip-stick” behavior in applications like nylon bearings.
- Multifunctional, Migrating Boundary Lubricants: These lubricants reduce the coefficient of friction and wear rate by providing lubrication at start-up and high speeds, making them ideal for dynamic applications.
- Non-Traditional Formulations: These additives offer shear reinforcement and abrasion resistance for moving, mating parts, providing long-lasting protection and performance.
- Low Friction, Non-Migratory Additives: Specifically formulated to replace PTFE, these additives perform well in various thermoplastic applications, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional lubricants.
The EcoLube™ MD line stands out for its biocompatibility testing, medical compliance certifications, and commitment to high-quality manufacturing. Americhem’s stringent Process Change Management (PCM) protocols and locked formulation promise ensure that EcoLube™ MD remains a reliable, consistent choice for medical device manufacturers.
A Broad Range of Base Resins for Customization
Americhem has formulated EcoLube™ MD compounds in an extensive range of base resins, offering customization options to meet the diverse needs of healthcare applications. The available base resins include ABS, PBT, PCABS, PC, PEI, PPE, PPS, PE, PP, PSU, PPSU, POM, PEEK, PPA, PA, and TPU, providing flexibility to meet various performance, aesthetic, and processing requirements.
This versatility allows manufacturers to choose the optimal material for their specific application while maintaining the desired level of lubrication and wear resistance. By collaborating closely with customers, Americhem is able to tailor solutions that meet the exact specifications and sustainability goals of each healthcare manufacturer.
Miklos commented on the customization capabilities of EcoLube™ MD, stating, “Our ability to tailor EcoLube™ compounds to fit end-market performance, conversion processes, color, and aesthetic needs sets us apart in the industry. By working closely with our customers, we ensure that our solutions are perfectly aligned with their unique requirements and sustainability objectives.”
Conclusion: A Sustainable Future for Healthcare
Americhem’s introduction of EcoLube™ MD represents a significant advancement in the development of sustainable, high-performance lubrication solutions for the healthcare industry. As regulations surrounding the use of PFAS materials become increasingly strict, EcoLube™ MD offers an innovative alternative that meets the growing demand for sustainable, biocompatible materials. By reducing friction, wear, and noise while ensuring compliance with global medical standards, EcoLube™ MD is poised to make a lasting impact on the medical device manufacturing industry.
With its focus on performance, regulatory compliance, and environmental responsibility, EcoLube™ MD reflects Americhem’s commitment to advancing the healthcare industry’s technological capabilities while supporting a greener, more sustainable future.
