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Fabrication and analysis of plastic hypodermic needles
1G.W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Center for Polymer Processing, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332-0405, USA.
Journal of Medical Engineering & Technology
|July 14, 2005
Summary
This study fabricated plastic hypodermic needles using micro-injection molding, analyzing their buckling behavior to improve safety and reduce disease transmission from needle reuse. Results compare simulations and experiments to penetration forces in skin mimics and human skin.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Medical Device Design
- Mechanical Analysis
Background:
- Unsterile reuse of hypodermic needles contributes to illness and disease transmission.
- Plastic needles offer potential advantages over metal needles for safe disposal and preventing reuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate plastic hypodermic needles via micro-injection molding.
- To analyze the buckling behavior of these plastic needles.
- To compare experimental and simulated buckling with penetration forces.
Main Methods:
- Micro-injection molding was used for plastic needle fabrication.
- Numerical simulations and experimental tests characterized needle buckling.
- Penetration forces were measured using rubber skin mimics and human skin.
Main Results:
- Plastic hypodermic needles were successfully fabricated.
- Buckling behavior was analyzed and quantified through simulations and experiments.
- Penetration forces correlated with buckling characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Plastic hypodermic needles can be manufactured using micro-injection molding.
- Understanding buckling behavior is crucial for designing safe and effective plastic needles.
- This research provides insights into the mechanical performance of plastic needles for medical applications.