Tubing and Tube Processing 15357

Originally Published MPMN July 2006

SPOTLIGHT

Tubing and Tube Processing

Thermoplastic rubber tubing

A tubing manufacturer offers extruded thermoplastic rubber tubing. Suited for applications requiring the use of Penrose tubing, the product can be used in feeding tubes and surgical drainage devices. The K-2170 tubing features a smooth, white surface and also offers good chemical resistance and ease of sterilization. The tubing can withstand temperatures up to 150°F and can be formulated for x-ray absorption. As with most thermoplastic rubbers, the tubing exhibits dimensional stability and cleanliness, as well as being powder- and contaminant-free, according to the company.
Kent Elastomer, Kent, OH
www.kentelastomer.com

PVC extrusion

An Estonian contract manufacturer provides medical-grade PVC tubing extrusion. A 38-mm single-screw extruder operates in Class 10,000 conditions. Capabilities include cutting to size, coiling, labeling, and packaging. The company offers full traceability, and is certified to ISO 9001 and 14001 standards.
A&G Ltd., Tallinn, Estonia
www.ag.ee

Silicone tubing

Owing to potential safety concerns, a company has certified several of its silicone tubing and hose products as free of animal-derived ingredients. Among these products are APST unreinforced translucent silicone tubing, and APSH braid-reinforced translucent and APSM four-ply mandrel-wrapped silicone hose. The company’s products are platinum cured and meet Class VI requirements.
AdvantaPure, Southampton, PA
www.advantapure.com

Laser processing

A provider of laser machining services now offers laser processing of PEEK and Hytrel tubing. This capability supplements its processing of the hard polymer polyimide, and complements its processing of soft polymers such as Pellethane and Pebax. Tube-processing methods employ a programmable combination of laser energy and multiaxis automation to produce clean and precise machined features, according to the firm.
Avicenna Technology Inc., Montevideo, MN
www.avicenna.com

Guidewire tubing

Two-layer extruded medical-grade tubing enables guidewires used in vascular procedures to be inserted into the tubing quickly and efficiently, according to the company that manufactures it. PEXglide tubing consists of an outer layer made from high-density polyethylene and an inner layer constructed from a silicone-like polymer. The polymer has a low coefficient of friction, resulting in easy guidewire insertion, especially in precoiled tubing. The tubing is designed primarily for containing the stainless-steel or nitinol guidewires used in angioplasty, stenting, and other vascular procedures.
Filtrona Extrusion, Athol, MA
www.filtrona.com

Tube expander and stripper

A product expands latex, silicone, and rubber tubing. The Model 1600 tube expander and stripper expands the material, inserts a fitting into the expanded tube, and then strips the assembly from the expanded jaws. Straight jaws are offered for tubing IDs ranging from 0.125 to 0.5 in. Special jaw sets are also available. Units include a foot pedal, hand switch, regulator, and gauge.
Lakeview Equipment Inc., Northbrook, IL
www.lakeviewequipment.com

Extruded thermoplastic tubing

An OEM of extruded thermoplastic tubing manufactures single- and multilumen tubing up to 0.4 in. OD. The company offers bump tubing, striping, coextrusion, and overextrusion. Custom compounds as well as thermoplastics, polyurethane, nylon, polypropylene, low-density polyethylene, and natural or filled polyesters are available. The manufacturing facility is ISO 9002 compliant.
Dunn Industries, Manchester, NH
www.dunnindustries.com

PVC tubing

Focusing primarily on PVC, a company provides custom tubing and tube-set assembly services. Capabilities include large- and microbore tube extrusion in addition to bubble and coextruded tubing. Postextrusion services include tip forming, eye punching, assembly, packaging, and sterilization. The company is ISO 13485 certified and FDA registered.
Command Medical Products Inc., Ormond Beach, FL
www.commandmedical.com

Soft tubing

A line of soft tubing employs plastic alloy compounds designed for medical applications. Manufactured from inert USP Class VI–compliant materials, Flexelene MX tubing is flexible, soft, and pliable. The tubing is nonallergenic, recyclable, and does not contain plasticizers, latex, or vinyl acetate. In addition, the product has a Shore A hardness of 58 and is available in sizes ranging from 1¼16 to 3¼8 in.
Eldon James Corp., Loveland, CO
www.eldonjames.com

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