Richard Brautigam Are you referring to holding arms and positioners? I am unaware of any non-metallic materials used on these items. I will do some asking. I was part of a team that developed disposable scopes in the early 90's and there we used PBT for some of the eye piece and polycarbonate for the distal lense. It was very inferior to a modern five millimeter scope. If I find out I will contact you privately.

Ken Steinberg I am referring to the fixed arm of a laparoscopic grasper, if that helps. I am assuming carbon-fiber based but I am curious what material and mfg most are using today.

Richard Brautigam http://summitsurgicaltech.com/shop/5mm-grasping-forceps/summit-surgical-tr1242-laparoscopic-prestige-slide-lock-retraction-graspers-single-action-5mm-x-45cm-copy/?gclid=CLySibeIncACFZTm7AodylMAmg

Richard Brautigam Something like the above? The tube and the wire that control the grasper are stainless steel. Among the plastics that are used would be Delrin, polycarbonate and perhaps carbon fiber, though I would think that might be expensive. Good luck with your project.

Richard Brautigam Ken, good luck with your inquiry. Looks like your thread has been overrun by spam. If you find better information on the polymeric materials used for the handles on graspers, let me know privately. I have been involved with laparoscopes since 1992, and can generally find my way around the space.

Most laparoscopic instruments handles are formed out of PEEK. Polyether ether ketone. Shafts are usually stainless inner with various insulation coatings.

Richard Brautigam I would agree with Jeff. When I was at Hoechst Celanese they were just starting to work on PEEK handles. In our plastic fiber optic shop we were working on disposable scopes.