PUTNAM, CT, USA – (December 5, 2013) – Foster Polymer Distribution, a business unit of Foster Corporation that specializes in distribution of medical grade polymers, introduces a new website featuring on-line credit card purchases of medical polymers in single bag quantities. This new service was developed to allow engineers and designers the ability quickly order materials for evaluation and expedite the product development process.
Prototype development of new devices requires material evaluation for processability, assembly and functionality. Typically the material quantity required for early development stages is no more than a single bag weighing 55 lbs. (25 kgs).  Medical device engineers and designers often request the ability to order these small quantities using credit cards to minimize delays associated with establishing vendor/supplier relations or the traditional invoicing process. On-line credit card purchasing allows materials to be obtained quickly to expedite product development.
This is the first time several medical grade polymers have been available for purchase on-line, including Arkema’s medical grade Kynar* polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), Pebax* polyether block amide (PEBA), Rilsan* polyamide 11, and Rilsamid* polyamide 12 polymers. Foster is the official North American distributor for these products and also distributes a medical grade PVC, including DEHP free grades, from TPV Compounds Srl.
“This is a first step in our efforts to simplify and expedite ordering of medical polymers,” said Hank Hague, Executive Vice President for Foster Corporation. “Speed to market is critical for new devices, and a lean process for procuring raw materials for early stage evaluation can save several days.
For more information Foster Polymer Distribution on-line polymer purchasing, please visit www.fosterpolymers.com.
* Kynar, Pebax, Rilsan and Rilsamid are registered trademarks of Arkema Inc.