Medical Device Coating Blog

Medical device mandrels

PTFE Coated Mandrels

A mandrel is a stiff wire that is inserted into a catheter or other medical tubing. Mandrels provide hollow tubular structures with support and rigidity. Since mandrels play such an essential part in the production of many medical devices, it’s important that their performance is reliable and consistent. This is why Surface Solutions Group offers PTFE coated mandrels in both stainless steel or nitinol.

PTFE Coated Mandrel Applications

Mandrels perform a variety of tasks, depending on the trade for which they are being used. Within the medical industry, mandrels tend to refer to forming molds for precision medical device components. These forming molds have a variety of applications, including:

  • catheter forming
  • interventional
  • neuro
  • laparoscopic
  • arthroscopic

One of the reasons that precision medical device components like these often require mandrels is because they provide support for thin wall sections and are able to retain tolerances during manufacturing. Because accuracy and precision are important, mandrels come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the application they need to be used for. Some of these include:

  • Step mandrels
  • Taper mandrels
  • End rounding
  • Super mandrels
  • Hollow mandrels

Benefits of using Mandrels Coated with PTFE

The benefits of using mandrels coated with PTFE are plenty. First, their low coefficient of friction enables manufacturers to increase the output of formed rubber bladders, extruded small-diameter tubing, and other similar products. PTFE coatings are also stronger, more consistent, and thinner than standard PTFE air dry or silicone release coatings.

Other key benefits include:

  • Non-flaking
  • Anti-stick
  • Chemically inert
  • Bio-compatibility
  • Close tolerances
  • Chemical resistant
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Abrasion resistant

Common Uses for Coated Mandrels

A PTFE coated mandrel has a variety of uses. One of the most common is that it allows the manufacturer to maintain tight tolerances on the inside diameter of catheter shafts. The tight tolerances and uniform diameter of PTFE coated mandrels allow more design freedom for catheter tube IDs and improved release properties.

Materials matter, which is why Surface Solutions Group uses the highest quality materials to fit your application. We offer PTFE coated mandrels in diameters from .003” to .125” and in lengths from 18 centimeters to 260 centimeters. Give us a call today to discuss your particular needs.