Longitudinal members can be added to unreinforced or braid/spiral reinforced tubes to provide structural support by increasing tensile strength and minimizing elongation along the length of the tube – an important feature for steerable devices.
While linear reinforcement provides excellent stretch resistance and column strength or “pushability”, it is important to note that it can limit tube flexibility depending on the number and location of the reinforcing members.
Tubing with linear reinforcement can be designed to maintain its shape when the tubing is bent.
Our team has experience with a wide array of materials used for linear reinforcing ranging from flat or round stainless steel alloys to high strength polymer monofilaments and textiles.
Size Range
0.025” – 0.750” (0.66 mm – 19.05 mm) depending on design
Linear Reinforced Materials
- Round Wire (from 0.001” [0.025 mm])
- Flat Wire (from 0.0003” x 0.002” [0.0076 mm x 0.051 mm])
- Stainless Steel
- Copper and Copper Alloys
- Nitinol
- Textiles
- High Strength Polymers
