Revamping the Sampling Process for Rubber Pharmaceutical Stoppers and Test Tube Plugs

In the realm of silicone and rubber products, while the core manufacturing processes and machinery may be similar, the distinct material properties demand meticulous attention to detail. Today, we focus on the sampling of pharmaceutical vial stoppers and test tube plugs—a project previously initiated with mold sampling but suspended due to several revisions. With pending feedback from the client, minor issues remained unresolved. Now, as we prepare to restart this project, it is crucial to revisit past challenges and discuss our targeted improvement strategies.(Chicarubber)

For vial stoppers, we consistently employ butyl rubber (IIR) as the material of choice—a gray compound known for its excellent drug resistance, reliable sealing capability, and stable performance. Although its fluidity during molding is not as high as silicone, it offers superior toughness, making it ideal for medical applications.

The test tube plug in question features a unique design: recessed openings on both ends, hollow structures throughout, and a thicker, solid diaphragm retained in the middle. After molding, a cross-shaped incision is made on the diaphragm, allowing a needle to pass through smoothly during use. In application, the larger opening side is sealed with an aluminum foil layer. The needle must first pierce this foil before passing through the stopper and into the vial. Therefore, a critical performance requirement is that once the stopper is inserted into the vial or test tube, it must form an absolute seal without any air leakage.

In previous sampling, the mold was designed with a horizontal parting line, which resulted in visible flash lines on both sides of the stopper. This time, we are switching to a vertical mold design to eliminate side parting lines entirely, ensuring a seamless fit inside the tube without gaps. Additionally, to secure the aluminum foil firmly, we will apply a slightly greater amount of adhesive to guarantee strong and reliable bonding.(Chicarubber)

By refining these technical and procedural aspects, we aim to deliver a higher-performance product that meets stringent pharmaceutical standards and fulfills client expectations for precision and reliability.

Revamping the Sampling Process for Rubber Pharmaceutical Stoppers and Test Tube Plugs

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