White Paper: Tubing & Extrusion
Innovation Without Compromise: Confluent Medical Changes the Game in Polyimide Tubing Manufacturing
SPONSORED BY: ![]()
With over 175 years of combined experience in medical device manufacturing, Confluent Medical combines its unrivaled materials science expertise with supply manufacturing capabilities and solutions. As a strategic partner to OEMs, Confluent Medical has taken deliberate, leading-edge steps across three key pillars—filmcast and manufacturing capability, regulatory foresight, and supply chain resilience—to shift what’s possible in polyimide tubing material design.
Don't have an account?
Overview
The document highlights Confluent Medical's advancements in polyimide tubing technology, emphasizing its role as a strategic partner for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the medical device industry. Confluent Medical leverages over 175 years of combined experience in materials science and manufacturing to innovate and meet the evolving demands of the market.
A key focus is on the introduction of Ultra Polyimide (Ultra PI), which addresses OEM challenges related to strength, compliance, design flexibility, and speed. Ultra PI boasts nearly double the tensile and column strength of traditional polyimide formulations, allowing for thinner walls without sacrificing load-bearing capacity. This innovation enables device designers to maximize internal lumen space for fluid flow, drug delivery, and other applications while maintaining necessary strength and resistance to collapse.
The document also discusses the importance of regulatory compliance, particularly in light of tightening regulations such as REACH and EU MDR. Confluent Medical has developed REACH-compliant polyimide tubing that maintains the same mechanical, thermal, and dielectric performance as traditional formulations, thereby reducing redesign risks and regulatory burdens. The company’s commitment to NMP-free manufacturing addresses environmental and regulatory concerns, ensuring that their products are safe and compliant for global markets.
Confluent Medical emphasizes its ability to maintain short lead times of 3-4 weeks, even for advanced materials, which allows OEMs to iterate quickly and respond to market demands. This speed and reliability are crucial for OEMs looking to gain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving landscape.
The document also outlines the growing market trends that necessitate these innovations, including the increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures and the need for high-performance materials that can navigate complex anatomical pathways. By providing superior materials that enhance device performance while ensuring regulatory compliance, Confluent Medical positions itself as a leader in the polyimide tubing market.
In summary, Confluent Medical is redefining the possibilities in polyimide tubing through innovative materials, regulatory foresight, and a commitment to quality and service, ultimately enabling OEMs to bring life-saving medical devices to market more efficiently and effectively.