Molding a Teflon Catheter Tip

Objective: Heat a water-cooled steel mandrel to 700 °F (371 °C) to form a high quality Teflon catheter tip.

Material: Teflon catheter tubing, mandrel assembly

Temperature: 600-700 °F (315.6-371 ºC)

Frequency: 376 kHz

Equipment:

• Ambrell 3 kW induction heating system, equipped with a remote workhead containing one 0.66μF capacitor
• An induction heating coil designed and developed specifically for this application

Process: A two turn coil is used to heat the steel mandrel to 660 °F (371.1 °C) in 2.7 seconds. To form the catheter tip, RF power is applied while the catheter is held over the mandrel. The tubing is then pushed on to the mandrel to form a consistent, even tip.

Benefits:

• Precise, repeatable application of heat
• Non-contact heating
• Faster cycle times