Leading Global Medical Device Manufacturer Utilizes Bayer MaterialScience Polycarbonate In Its Next-Generation Automated External Defibrillator

Anaheim, CA - When seconds matter and can mean the difference between life and death, a safe, reliable and effective automated external defibrillator (AED) device is a must. AED manufacturers desire the same characteristics when choosing materials for their products. For this reason, Cardiac Science Corporation, a global leader in external defibrillation, diagnostic devices and monitoring systems, has chosen a polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) blend resin from Bayer MaterialScience LLC for its next-generation Powerheart G5 AED design.

With the goal of updating the device’s technology and design, Wisconsin-based Cardiac Science Corporation chose Bayer’s Bayblend FR3010 PC/ABS blend resin for the device, replacing a polycarbonate blend from another resin supplier. The decision to use Bayblend PC/ABS blend resin was based on the material’s superior impact performance, overall strength and UL flame rating. Bayer worked with Cardiac Science to help select the specific material. Dickten Masch Plastics, LLC, injection molds the Bayer polycarbonate blend to form the Powerheart G5 device’s battery case and housing, which contains all the electronics and acts as a protective cover for the internal components.

“Many of our emergency service and military customers use AEDs in rugged conditions that require our Powerheart AEDs to be durable without sacrificing life-saving features,” said Mike Fry, General Manager of Resuscitation, Cardiac Science. “We identified Bayer as a value-chain partner that could provide an AED outer shell that passed every drop and durability test while meeting our quality protocols and product development timelines.”

The Cardiac Science corporate color palette was color-matched using pre-colored plastics created via Bayer’s LEDA compounded color technology. The company’s unique and distinct orange and gray corporate color hues were matched at Bayer’s Newark, Ohio Color Competence and Design center.

“Bayer serves as a true collaborator with Cardiac Science to ensure all their needs are met with superior results. From providing support on material selection through color matching and product sampling and ultimately product launch, it remains our goal to provide solutions to the OEM throughout Bayer’s involvement in the product development and design process,” said Bruce Fine, market segment leader, Medical and Consumer Products — Polycarbonates, Bayer MaterialScience LLC.