Note: Fuse thermoplastic catheter tubes
Objective:
Fuse elastomer (TPE) tubes together in two ways, as a butt joint and as a overlap joint.
End Product:
Catheter
Equipment:
Ambrell 1 kW induction heating system, equipped with a remote workhead containing two .33µF capacitors (for a total of .66 µF).
Induction heating coils designed and developed specifically for this application.
Materials:
PeBax tubing 3/16 in (4.76 mm) OD, 1/8 in (3.18 mm) ID and slightly larger
Stainless steel Teflon coated mandrel 1/8 in (3.18 mm) diameter
Temperature:
350 ºF (177 ºC)
Frequency:
352 kHz
Testing:
For the butt joint, two tubes of the same diameter with differing degrees of hardness are used. The tubes are slipped onto the Teflon coated mandrel and a short length of shrink tubing is placed over the tubes. Hot air is blown over the shrink tubing to gently heat it. The assembly is placed in the center of a three-turn pancake coil and heated for 8 seconds.
For the overlap joint, the two tubes have different diameters. The smaller diameter tube is placed over the mandrel first and then the larger diameter tube is slipped over it. A length of shrink tubing is placed over the assembly. Hot air is blown over the shrink tubing to gently heat it. A nine-turn helical coil is used to fuse the complete assembly together.
Benefits:
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Heating of the mandrel is from the inside out providing a smooth finish on the outside of the assemblies.
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Precise, repeatable application of heat.
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Ambient temperature factors do not affect the process
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No over heating
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