Massachusetts based Oxford Performance Materials (OPM), a leader in advanced materials science and high performance additive manufacturing (HPAM) is introducing OXPEKK Custom Compounds.
OXPEKK products are comprised of OPM’s family of proprietary poly-ether-ketone-ketone (PEKK) formulations. With the commercial launch of OXPEKK Custom Compounds, OPM is addressing critical unmet needs in key markets including the medical, aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, and semiconductor industries.
“OXPEKK is a special breed of polymer with a desirable combination of processing and performance attributes that address some of the most demanding applications in today’s industrial markets,” stated Tony DeCarmine, OPM’s Chief Technology Officer. “We are very excited to be launching OXPEKK Custom Compounds, which offer a unique combination of properties that users of high-performance polymers will find compelling.”
OPM’s OXPEKK Custom Compounds boast a range of key performance characteristics. These include robust mechanical performance, making them durable and reliable in various applications. They also exhibit extreme temperature tolerance, ensuring their functionality in both hot and cold environments. Additionally, their high purity ensures quality and consistency in usage. These compounds are gamma stable, meaning they retain their properties even after exposure to radiation. Moreover, they offer exceptionally high chemical resistance, guarding against corrosion and degradation. Their resistance to water or solvent infiltration further enhances their suitability for diverse conditions. Finally, these compounds demonstrate superior fatigue performance, providing long-lasting effectiveness under repetitive stress.
OPM utilizes advanced processing technologies to manufacture OXPEKK Custom Compounds in pellet form and extruded semi-finished shapes. The OXPEKK product lines offer several advantages over metals and other thermoplastics in process flexibility, reduced weight, non-corrosive attributes, and tailored formulations, including filled and colored compounds.
Certification
All OPM products are supported by the highest level of testing and certification. For the biomedical market, the OXPEKK Custom Compound product portfolio includes OXPEKK-MG (Medical Grade for non-implant applications) and OXPEKK-IG (Implant Grade for implantable devices), both subject to strict regulatory standards.
OXPEKK Custom Compounds for medical use have been tested against ISO 10993standards, demonstrating safe use in permanent implant applications with bone and tissue contact. They are produced in a controlled cGMP environment supported by a robust Quality Management System (QMS).
Manufacturing
The OXPEKK Custom Compounding facility is equipped with cutting-edge compounding technology and is backed by a comprehensive material science and quality control lab. OPM ensures that all its facilities adhere to essential regulatory standards. This includes obtaining ISO 13485 certification for medical applications, which signifies a commitment to meeting the stringent requirements outlined in applicable Medical Device Directives (MDD).
This certification underscores OPM’s dedication to ensuring the safety and quality of medical devices manufactured for its customers. Additionally, the facility holds AS9100C certification for aerospace and industrial applications, demonstrating compliance with elevated risk management standards in these markets. This dual certification emphasizes OPM’s commitment to delivering high-quality products across diverse industries while maintaining rigorous standards for safety and reliability.
