Originally Published MPMNMay 2003

SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight on Extrusion and Tube Processing

Reinforced fluoropolymer hose

A core layer of PTFE fluoropolymer is overlaid with protective layers of glass fibers and stainless steel to construct strong, flexible hose that handles maximum pressures ranging from 1200 to 4000 psi and does not kink. The smooth, chemically inert, nonstick inner surface of the APFGS hose suits biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and other high-purity applications. The hose's fiberglass layer insulates, and its stainless-steel outer surface contributes durability and abrasion resistance. The hose is available in seven sizes between 0.188 and 0.875 in. ID, with either a white PTFE core or a black conductive PTFE core. AdvantaPure, 145 James Way, Southampton, PA 18966.

Fluoroplastic tubing

PTFE, FEP, PFA, ETFE, and ECTFE can be extruded to create convoluted tubing in sizes from 1.8 to 4 in. ID.
The precision nonstick fluoroplastic tubing is chemical resistant and nonflammable, withstands ambient temperatures to 500°F, and features good dielectric properties. End configurations include no cuff, straight cuff, slightly flared or reduced cuff, specified-degree flared end, and 90° flanged end. The tubing can be supplied in cut lengths with custom cuff dimensions. TexLoc Ltd., 4700 Lone Star Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76106.

Video option for catheter processing

Live, on-screen video capability is a feature of a programmable catheter-hole-drilling machine.The video is controlled by an on-screen button and appears in a 3 ¥ 4-in. window. The videodisplays a view of the drilled access hole magnified approximately 12 times. The unit was designed tolimit harmful ergonomic effects on operator health, such as eyestrain, muscle strain, neck cramps, headaches, and muscle spasms. Technical Innovations, 20714 Hwy. 36, Brazoria, TX 77422.

Replacement biopsy channels

Standard and custom replacement biopsy channels produced and prepared for endoscope manufacture and repair are available, many for immediate shipment. The channels have a PTFE inner layer and an external polyurethane-encapsulated stainless-steel spring for support and resistance to kinking and puncture. They allow flex angles to 210°. Each channel produced is subjected to rigorous testing for leak resistance, surface quality, and flexibility. International Polymer Engineering, 2445 Medtronic Way, Tempe, AZ 85281.

Tube expander

The arms of a heavy-duty tube expander can accommodate two jaw sets of different sizes, allowing two assembly operations to be performed without time-consuming jaw-set changing. The 995HD-2 tube expander is specialized for expanding large-diameter tubing up to 11¼2 in. diam and heavy-wall or high-durometer tubing. The pneumatically operated device
can expand tubing made of PVC, polyurethane, vinyl, latex, silicone, rubber, and other elastomers. Standard jaws handle tubing from 0.062 to 0.375 in. ID, while larger jaw sets and Teflon-coated jaws are optionally available. Lakeview Equipment Inc., 3382 Commercial Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062.

Polymer extrusions

Tubing with inner diameters as small as 0.0015 in. and walls as thin as 0.0015 in. is extruded from such fluoropolymers and other high-performance engineering resins as PTFE, FEP, PFA, PEEK, MFA, and Pebax. Precision products that are available include special profiles, expanded-PTFE tubing, lay-flat tubing, Sub-Lite-Wall tubing, and tight-tolerance multilumen extrusions. Zeus Industrial Products Inc., P.O. Box 2167, Orangeburg, SC 29116.

Extrusion and assembly

A company creates custom tubing 
for a variety of medical device applications. In-house extruding and braiding capabilities enable extrusion of tubing in a wide variety of polymers, colors, sizes, and lumens. Cost-effective assembly of finished medical devices and the support of an experienced engineering staff are also available. Minnesota Extrusion Inc., 11760 Justin Cir., Ste. B, Maple Grove, MN 55369.

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