At Genesis Plastics Welding, we recognize that materials selection is a critical stage in R&D and a thorough process can ensure the integrity, longevity and success of a product. The complexity and diversity of today’s materials and engineering processes should offer opportunities for innovation – rather than be seen as an obstacle.

A recent article featured in MDDI points out that materials failures account for a significant percentage of medical device recalls and performance problems but are often overlooked as a potential source of risk. Medical device product recalls have also been a growing problem over the last 15 years and have cost the medical industry between $2.5 and $5 billion annually.

According to the article, material performance is a main cause of failure in up to 30 percent of recent medical device recalls, and the data suggests that there is a lack of thorough consideration when it comes to materials selection in the medical device industry.

So what critical steps are involved in mitigating the risks associated with materials failure?

Define Needs Early On

Our clients come to us with varying degrees of uncertainty on what materials would make for the best final product. The initial step in designing a product that will meet your needs is to specify your design objectives with Genesis Plastics Welding:

• What is the main concept or application of the design?
• How will the product interact with its environment?
• What special characteristics of form, fit, and function, or overall design, are you looking for? For example, what kinds of frequently asked questions could your targeted end user be asking or requesting? Are there components that are needed to fit the design?  What is the purpose of each component and how will it best function in your final product?
• What constraints or specific requirements must be considered for the application of your design?

A skilled R&D team will be able to help you decide which desired material attributes fit your needs in order to take your design to the next level.

Uphold Your Standards

Keep your overall goals in mind during the materials selection process, such as minimizing cost, waste and production life cycle, and maximizing the quality and performance of the product.

At Genesis, we provide our clients with the full spectrum of information needed to make the best decision based on every aspect of the materials, such as price, efficiency and functionality.  In such an important process, you should expect to be well equipped to make optimal choices and to be certain your high standards are being upheld.

Selecting the right materials can make or break your product. Our experienced engineers work with you in determining how each material will perform in its real-world application. The materials not only need to last, but when chosen correctly, should give your product a competitive advantage within the marketplace.

Want to find out more ways to minimize risks associated with materials failure? Read the full MDDI article here.