+23 Installation Gallery Autoclaves for Plastics Valued for their durability, chemical resistance, and cost-effectiveness, plastic containers and components are widely used across laboratories, healthcare facilities, research institutions, and production environments. These items must be sterilized without warping, melting, or degrading. Consolidated Sterilizer Systems’ autoclaves support the specific thermal and structure tolerances of plastic materials, ensuring safe, reliable sterilization with every cycle. See What’s Inside Consolidated’s New Healthcare Steam Sterilizers Play Video Autoclaves for Plastics Made In the USA Lowest Total Cost of Ownership Proven Quality & Reliability Intuitive, Easy-to-Use Controls Certifications Water Eco Utility Savings Downloadable Resources eBook: 17 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Next Medical Autoclave Start Your Search for a Medical-Grade Autoclave with Our Free eBook, “17 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Medical Autoclave”! Download It Now Types of Loads Consolidated’s Sterilizers Can Handle Plastics are a staple in laboratories and healthcare facilities thanks to their versatility and ease of use. However, not all plastics respond the same way to high-temperature steam sterilization. Consolidated’s sterilizers are designed to handle a wide variety of autoclave-safe plastic components, offering gentle yet effective cycles that preserve shape, functionality, and sterility. Common autoclave loads for plastics include: Reusable propylene labware (e.g. beakers, flasks, pipette tips) Polycarbonate bottles and containers Sterile barrier packaging with plastic trays or pouches Plastic surgical instruments and device housings Single-use plastic tubing and fittings Autoclavable filter housings and caps Laboratory waste in plastic biohazard bags Plastic syringes, forceps, and specimen containers Key Considerations for Sterilizing Plastics Sterilizing plastic items requires a careful balance between effective microbial inactivation and protecting the structural integrity of the materials. Because different polymers have different heat tolerances and mechanical properties, selecting the right autoclave — as well as loading and configuring each cycle correctly — is essential to reduce warping, melting, or chemical degradation. Material heat tolerance Not all plastics are created equal. Choose autoclaves with customizable cycles to accommodate materials such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, polysulfone, and other heat-safe polymers. Avoid autoclaving any material not intended and rated for autoclave sterilization. Cycle customization Plastics can deform or crack under rapid pressure or temperature changes. Autoclaves with adjustable ramp rates, dwell times, and exhaust phases can preserve shape and functionality. Drying capabilities Some plastics retain moisture after sterilization. Vacuum drying or post-cycle drying phases ensure items come out dry and ready for immediate use or storage. Load arrangement and support Lightweight plastic components can shift or collapse under high pressure steam. Proper racks, containers, or trays can maintain load stability and allow for even steam exposure. Chemical compatibility Repeated autoclaving can cause certain plastics to leach additives or degrade over time. Using the correct sterilization parameters can extend the lifespan of reusable plastic components. Regulatory and safety compliance Autoclaves for plastics used in clinical or lab settings should meet ISO, CDC, FDA, AAMI, and other relevant facility safety standards to ensure proper operation and traceability. Popular Consolidated Autoclaves for Plastics Sterilization 3AV-HC Chamber Size 20″ x 20″ x 38″ # of Trays (25 lb max) 3 Lbs per Cycle 75 Chamber Vol. (liters) 249 26AV-HC Chamber Size 26” x 2”6 x 39” # of Trays (25 lb max) 9 Lbs per Cycle 225 Chamber Vol. (liters) 432 26BV-HC Chamber Size 26” x 26” x 49” # of Trays (25 lb max) 12 Lbs per Cycle 300 Chamber Vol. (liters) 544 Shop Autoclaves Frequently Asked Questions We’re always here to help. Here are some frequently asked questions about autoclaves for plastics. See All Sterilization FAQs Can you autoclave plastics? Yes. Many types of plastics can be autoclaved, provided they are specifically labeled as autoclave-safe. Common autoclavable plastics include polypropylene, polycarbonate, and polysulfone, all of which can withstand typical sterilization temperatures without melting or degrading. Autoclavable plastics rated as such and will list a maximum allowable temperature. What sterilization method is suitable for plastic items? Steam sterilization is the most widely used — and preferred — method for sterilizing plastics in laboratory and healthcare settings. It offers rapid microbial inactivation but must be carefully controlled to avoid damaging heat-sensitive materials. What plastics cannot be autoclaved? Plastics such as polystyrene, polyethylene, and PVC typically cannot be autoclaved, as they tend to melt, deform, or release harmful chemicals when exposed to high heat and pressurized steam. Always verify whether a plastic container or component is autoclave-safe before using steam sterilization. What temperature do you sterilize plastics at? All autoclave-safe plastics are rated with a maximum temperature or specific time at temperature cycle parameters. Often, autoclave-safe plastics also list a required loading configuration to ensure proper sterilization and no damage. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for use documentation before autoclaving plastic components. Don't Buy Until You Read this eBook Start Your Search for a Medical-Grade Autoclave with Our Free eBook, “17 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Medical Autoclave”! Download It Now
