We utilize a wide variety of compounds designed to meet your specific requirements such as biocompatibility needs, radiopaque loadings, and preferred sterilization methods. We can also meet your non-medical requirements for flame or low smoke needs, chemical compatibility, and temperature withstand.
Extrusion materials we commonly work with include:
- PVC
- HDPE
- LDPE
- Polyurethane
- Nylon
- PEBAX®
- FEP
- PFA
- ETFE
- PEEK
- TPE
Should you have a specialty compound you’d like us to use in your tube design, we would be happy to help! Just contact us to discuss your ideas and needs with our custom design team!
Extrusion Materials
Note: Durometer values given in shore scale
| Material | Durometer Range | Advantages | Considerations | Where Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | Soft (70A-90A) | Cost effective Flexible | Limited sterilization Requires specific compounds for medical use | Unreinforced tubing Multi-lumen |
| HDPE | Hard (50D-70D) | Cost effective alternative to PTFE liners Good chemical resistance | Low temp limit High flexural modulus | Unreinforced tubing Liners |
| LDPE | ||||
| Polyurethane | Wide Range (80A – 75D) | Great elasticity Softens at body temperature Flexible Abrasion resistant Easly compounded with additives | Hygroscopic Can be tacky | Topcoat Tie layer Unreinforced tubing Reinforced tubing |
| Nylon | Hard (40D – 90D) | Wear resistant Rigid | Hygroscopic High flexural modulus | Topcoat Unreinforced tubing Reinforced tubing |
| Pebax® | Wide Range (25D – 74D) | Widely used in industry Great temp stability Relatively low COF Easily compounded with additives | Cost Softest grade is 25D | Topcoat Tie layer Multi-lumen Unreinforced tubing Reinforced tubing |
| FEP & PFA | Hard (55D – 60D) | Low COF Thin walls Cost effective alternative to PTFE liners | Not suitable for gamma sterilization Cost | Liners Multi-lumen Reinforced tubing |
| ETFE | Very Hard (~75D) | Suitable for gamma sterilization | Rigid | Liners |
| PEEK | Very Hard (~85D) | Very rigid Great chemical resistance | Can be cost prohibitive Opaque | Unreinforced tubing Multi-lumen |
| TPE | Soft (55A – 90A) | Flexible High elongation | Low temperature rating Limited sterilization | Multi-lumen |
| Grilamid® | Hard | Very optically clear | Best used where high rigidity and high optical clarity are required | Unreinforced tubing Multi-lumen |