Small Diameter
Metal Tubing
As a metal tubing specialist, we know that no two tubes are alike. Whether you're looking for medical tubing, hypodermic needle tubing, or any type of tight tolerance tubing, we help create the custom precision tube that meets your very unique specifications.
Metal Tubing
As a metal tubing specialist, we know that no two tubes are alike. Whether you're looking for medical tubing, hypodermic needle tubing, or any type of tight tolerance tubing, we help create the custom precision tube that meets your very unique specifications.
Wide variety of
metal alloys
We supply metal tubes and tubular products in a wide variety of metal alloys including implantable grade tubing for stents, hypodermic needle tubing, aluminum, copper, nickel, cobalt, and precious metals. Most alloys are available in seamless and welded and drawn grades.
metal alloys
We supply metal tubes and tubular products in a wide variety of metal alloys including implantable grade tubing for stents, hypodermic needle tubing, aluminum, copper, nickel, cobalt, and precious metals. Most alloys are available in seamless and welded and drawn grades.
Close Tolerances
Smooth ID and OD
When it comes to miniature medical tubing, we offer the tightest tolerances in the industry. We can provide OD, ID, or Wall Tolerances as tight as .0001" on selected products. We can achieve an RA to the single digit.
Smooth ID and OD
When it comes to miniature medical tubing, we offer the tightest tolerances in the industry. We can provide OD, ID, or Wall Tolerances as tight as .0001" on selected products. We can achieve an RA to the single digit.
Customized Metal
Tube Fabrication
We offer a full array of fabrications — from simple cutting and bending — to more sophisticated laser fabrications. Secondary tube surface treatment options include PTFE and grit blasting.
Tube Fabrication
We offer a full array of fabrications — from simple cutting and bending — to more sophisticated laser fabrications. Secondary tube surface treatment options include PTFE and grit blasting.
Technical
Consulting
When it comes to specialty tubes, especially medical tubes, you can rely on our expertise and problem solving skills to help meet your most demanding requirements. In this time of constant technological changes, our team of specialized engineers will provide cutting edge solutions to your current—and future needs.
Consulting
When it comes to specialty tubes, especially medical tubes, you can rely on our expertise and problem solving skills to help meet your most demanding requirements. In this time of constant technological changes, our team of specialized engineers will provide cutting edge solutions to your current—and future needs.
1
2
3
4
5
5 PITFALLS TO AVOID WHEN
OUTSOURCING METAL TUBING
OUTSOURCING METAL TUBING
1. Tolerance Stacking
When figuring tolerances in terms of upper and lower extremes, be sure to take into account tolerance stacking and the effects of secondary operations and ID clearance issues. Considering these factors in a design prior to prototyping will save both money and time.
1
2
3
4
5
5 PITFALLS TO AVOID WHEN
OUTSOURCING METAL TUBING
OUTSOURCING METAL TUBING
2. Using Unqualified Input
While there is a wealth of public information available, an experienced tube supplier will interpret this information, taking every factor about the specific tube design into consideration. Many configurations, for example, include fabrication challenges such as metallurgy, tube formation, tensile strengths, cost, structural characteristics, and coatings. These may include bulges, flairs and swages that are difficult to perform, yet vital to the performance of a device. Be sure to confirm that your supplier has experience with such configurations.
1
2
3
4
5
5 PITFALLS TO AVOID WHEN
OUTSOURCING METAL TUBING
OUTSOURCING METAL TUBING
3. Under-or Over Estimating Requirements
The increasing demand for small diameter tubing makes it mandatory to use a team of highly specialized tube experts to ensure your product meets stringent performance standards. For example, putting multiple devices, such as fiber optics, other tubes, guidewires, and stents through a narrow laparoscopic or endoscopic tube creates a "stack up" of tolerances. If is essential that the ID is accurate, the inner surface is smooth without burrs, roughness or debris, and that the instrument is engineered so it does not develop kinks.
1
2
3
4
5
5 PITFALLS TO AVOID WHEN
OUTSOURCING METAL TUBING
OUTSOURCING METAL TUBING
4. Taking Quality Control for Granted
Never underestimate the importance of testing and inspections. A knowledgeable metal tube supplier will eliminate design problems before they become product problems. Quality credentials are also important. In addition to being ISO-9001 certified, look for a vendor that also has an ISO-13485 certification since that credential indicates very high quality standards in systems as well as products.
1
2
3
4
5
5 PITFALLS TO AVOID WHEN
OUTSOURCING METAL TUBING
OUTSOURCING METAL TUBING
5. Falling Into Turnaround Traps
Speed to market often depends on prototype turnaround. Look for a metal tube supplier who can provide quick turnaround of prototypes — within a week — or even a few days. It is important to partner with a supplier who can provide realistic lead times on volume orders, too. For example, some suppliers take orders and underestimate how quickly they can respond. Partnering with a supplier that has the experience and a proven track record can eliminate any problems within this process.