Medical metal tubing is a vital component of many medical devices. They are used extensively in catheter manufacturing, dialysis, drug delivery system, and intravenous tubing. They come in various sizes, and the manufacturers focus on continuous innovation to meet the demands of their clients. The raw materials used depend on the type of application and the chemical composition of the drugs. Whether the metal tube is used to deliver oxygen or drugs, it is a critical component of the medical device.
The majority of medical tubing is manufactured on a
gauge scale. While the original military specification for GG-N-196 remains in
effect, modern requirements have significantly expanded the gauge scale. Today,
the gauge scale varies from six (0.203 inches) to 36 (0.004 inches) and vacuum
systems. The process of transferring medical gases varies according to the type
of gas used.
Cold-drawn processes are the most common method for
medical metal tubing. This process is suitable for achieving tight
inside-outside dimensions and imparts mechanical properties to metals. It is a
cost-effective method for producing medical tubing. It can achieve varying wall
thicknesses and narrow inner diameters. It can produce thin tubing with an
inner diameter of 0.003 inches, while its outer diameter can be up to one and a
half inches. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the global economy and in
turn, the medical
metal tubing market.
Stainless steel is a popular choice for medical metal
tubing. Its versatility and resistance to various cleaning processes make it an
excellent choice for this application. For example, a stent may require very
precise tolerances to ensure that it performs properly. It can also be used for
brachytherapy, which involves inserting radioactive implants directly into
tissues to treat prostate cancer. The walls of the tubing must be tight enough
to minimize the risk of leakage.
In addition to 316 stainless steel, medical tubing can
also be manufactured from low-carbon 304 or 304L stainless steel. 304 stainless
steel is known for its biocompatibility, and alloys 316L and 302 stainless are used
in medical devices.