Medical tubing

Customized multi-durometer tubing

Customized multi-durometer tubing is an advanced manufacturing technology gaining importance in various technical and medical applications. Characteristic properties of this special tubing include different degrees of rigidity (durometer) in different areas. This feature enables precise adaptation to specific requirements, significantly improving the performance and versatility of applications.

Structure and properties of the material of multi-durometer tubing

Multi-durometer tubing is made of high-quality elastomers whose degree of hardness varies depending on the requirements. Common materials include silicone, polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), and other medically approved plastics. The durometer is used to measure the hardness of an elastomer, with higher values indicating harder materials while lower values represent softer materials.

By using advanced co-extrusion techniques, elastomer tubing can be produced to be soft and flexible (i.e. bendable) in certain areas while remaining stiff and robust in others. This variation in hardness makes it possible to precisely match the mechanical properties of the hose to the respective requirements.

Areas of application

Due to the unique properties of multi-durometer tubing, it is ideal for a wide range of applications:

• Medical devices: Within medical devices, multi-durometer tubing can be used in catheters which are soft and flexible at the tip to ensure patient safety, while being stiffer in the proximal sections to allow precise control.
• Surgical instruments: Chirurgical tubes benefit from combining varying degrees of rigidity in a single tube. Soft sections allow delicate tissue to be protected, while harder sections improve stability and handling.
• Industrial applications: In industrial applications, multi-durometer tubing may be utilized in systems requiring both flexible and robust tubing properties. For example, in fluid technology, where flexible ends provide easy connection and rigid sections ensure structural integrity.
• Automotive industry: In vehicles, these hoses are used to dampen vibrations while providing sufficient strength and durability, especially in critical areas such as fuel or coolant supply.

Advantages and characteristics of multi-durometer tubing

Multi-durometer tubing provides several advantages that distinguish it from conventional tubing:

1. adaptability: incorporating different degrees of hardness in a single tube permits precise customization for specific applications.
2. increased performance: by specifically controlling the material properties, the mechanical and functional properties of the tubing can be optimized, resulting in improved performance.
3. reduced complexity: instead of using several different tubing types, a single multi-durometer tubing can fulfill the requirements of different areas, reducing system complexity and installation effort.
4. increased service life: By using the correct hardness and thus adapted strength in the respective areas, wear and tear can be minimized and the service life of the tubes extended where necessary and required by the application.

Technical specifications and manufacturing

Manufacturing multi-durometer tubing requires precise co-extrusion techniques and careful material selection. Key parameters include the durometer degrees of rigidity, the exact transitions between the hardness ranges, and the overall geometry of the hose.

Advanced extrusion technologies make it possible to precisely control durometer levels and create seamless transitions between soft and hard areas. Not only does this require technical expertise, but also a deep understanding of the material properties and the specific requirements of the application.

Conclusion

Customized multi-durometer products represent a groundbreaking technology that significantly improves the flexibility and performance of tubing in a variety of applications. By integrating different degrees of hardness in a single tube, specific requirements are precisely met while optimizing the efficiency and service life of the systems.

This technology offers customized solutions for complex challenges in the medical technology, industrial, and automotive sectors. With high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing techniques, multi-durometer tubes ensure the highest standards of performance and reliability. Thus rendering it an indispensable component in modern technical applications.