We worked with a medical customer to create bespoke FEP flanged tubing. The tube required a special diameter flange at one end and a 30° cut at the other. Used for medical delivery tubes, the bespoke fluoroplastic component needed to follow tight tolerances and as such, proved challenging.

The project criteria

Our medical customer required bespoke fluoroplastic tubing with the following criteria:

• FEP tube with a 1.30mm ID and a 1.60mm OD

• Tubing thickness of 0.15mm was critical

• Flange of 2.80mm at one end of the tube - This is a large flange given the small diameter and thin wall of the tubing

• 0.05mm tolerance on the flange diameter

• Curved flange radius of 0.20mm maximum

• Flange thickness of 0.15mm was also critical

• 30° cut at the other end of the tube

FEP was chosen as it can easily be moulded and thermoformed into complex profiles, and for this specific project, a flange can be easily added to the FEP tubing. In addition, FEP is transparent, which was essential for this medical delivery tube application.

The challenges faced

One of the challenges we faced for this bespoke FEP component was creating a large flange diameter on a small diameter and thin wall tube, as well as maintaining the flange thickness. We needed to ensure the tube thickness did not thin along the flange in order to avoid pin holes, stress cracking and irregularities.

Another critical element of this project was the tight tolerances on the flange diameter, the flange radius, the cut radius and the tube thickness. Deformation to either the flange or the tubing would be detrimental to the flow rate in the medical application.

Using in-house bespoke tooling made specifically for this project and thermoforming techniques, we reformed the fluoroplastic material to produce the flange to the customer’s tight specifications. We were able to accurately control the flange thickness and produce a consistent tubing profile.

Flanging fluoroplastics

Flanging fluoroplastic tubing enables the manufacture of components to your exact requirements and ready for assembly. Flanges can secure fittings in place and aid with sealing. Collars can prevent parts pulling out of equipment. And reduced and tapered tips can aid with liquid flow.

Used for liquid and air delivery tubes, labware and analytical equipment, and food and chemical applications, bespoke flanges, collars and tips can be applied to PTFE, FEP and PFA tubes and can be made to your exact requirements.

Here at Adtech, we are specialists in delivering innovative fluoroplastic solutions for your technical applications. We understand that every customer’s application is different, so our knowledgeable customer service and R&D teams are on hand to discuss your project.

Get in touch today to ask for more information or to discuss your requirements:

t: +44 (0) 1285 762000

e: sales@adtech.co.uk

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