A Guide to Medical Grade Heat Shrink Tubing 2024
Medical technologies have revolutionized the healthcare system – there are new systems, new treatments, new tools and new devices that come to market that change the way we receive treatment. One tool, however, is a vital accessory that has stood the test of time – medical grade heat shrink tubing.
Medical grade heat shrink tubing is essential in the use of catheters, drains, tracheotomy tubes and other medical instruments. Surgeons would not be able to use cauterization instruments or perform laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures without it either. The list of use cases is endless and constantly evolving, but here are the primary product specs that you should know when looking for medical heat shrink tubing.
Medical Grade Heat Shrink Tubing
Medical grade heat shrink tubing is ideal for covering instruments of varying diameters and is constructed without heavy metals. With superior electrical, physical, and chemical properties, it’s durable, flame-retardant, and comes in a variety of styles and colors.
All medical grade heat shrink tubing is extruded from polyolefin and fluoropolymers. Each type has a variety of uses, applications, and obligations they fulfill.
- Polyolefin is a synthetic polymer commonly found in many consumer plastics, such as plastic bottles, bottle caps, liquid containers and tubing.
- Fluoropolymer is a carbon-based polymer used for non-stick plastics, and is highly resistant to solvents, acids, and bases.
Nelco Medical Grade Heat Shrink Tubing has been approved by the FDA for use in medical equipment and procedures. Our tubing has a 2:1 shrink ratio and meets the most stringent USP Class VI bio-compatible requirements. Medical grade tubing has many different uses such as biocompatible jacketing for temporary implantation devices, tube joining, transitioning and stiffening, identification of components, and cushioning metal surfaces.
Our medical grade heat shrink tubing is perfectly suited for a wide variety of medical applications. Features include:
- Semi-rigid with a higher shrink temperature and heat resistance, creating a smooth finish on the surface after the heat shrink tubing is removed.
- Extraordinary mechanical endurance best for stiffening, electrical insulation, strain relief, and aiding in the demands of the medical environment.
- Good surface lubricity with extremely thin expandable walls and elevated compressive strength.
- Resistant to chemicals such as hexachlorophene, povidone-iodine, alcohol, benzalkonium and saline solutions, as well as fungus and moisture.
- 2:1 ratio and meets all USP Class IV biocompatible requirements.
- Available in blue, black, white or clear.
- Size options include 1/2”, 3/16”, 3/32”, 1/8”, 1/4” and 3/8”
