- Home
- Technical Support
- Medical Tubing FAQs
Medical Tubing FAQs
Answers about Microspec's extrusion capabilities, sizes, materials, prototypes, validation and how we work.
Technical support
Answers to the questions we hear most.
These are the questions customers ask us most about our extrusion capabilities, materials and how we work. If you do not see yours, call us or send a request and an engineer will get back to you.
FAQ
Capabilities and sizes
Still have a question? Our team is happy to talk it through.
What is the smallest tube Microspec extrudes?
We have extruded tubing with an outside diameter as small as 0.004 inch (0.1 mm) and multi-lumen extrusions as small as 0.012 inch (0.305 mm). We also extrude multi-lumen bump tubing as small as 1.9 French, and our smallest bump tube is a 4-lumen part with a 0.010 inch distal OD. We keep working toward smaller diameters.
What is the largest tube Microspec extrudes?
We specialize in medical tubing up to approximately 0.450 inch (about 10 mm) OD, and have run parts up to about 1.00 inch. Most of our tubing is below 0.125 inch (3.2 mm).
How thin can a wall be?
The thinnest wall we extrude consistently is 12.5 microns (0.0005 inch), in Pebax, polyurethane, FEP and PEEK.
What types of extrusions does Microspec specialize in?
Custom bump tubing, co-extrusions and tri-extrusions, micro-extrusions, multi-lumen tubing, profile extrusions and coated wire. Our people were instrumental in developing co-extrusion technology, and we were the first to produce and sell multi-lumen bump tubing.
Are any extrusions or materials outside your area of interest?
Very few. We continually experiment with new profiles, materials, extrusion processes and equipment, and we often take on parts other extruders decline to quote.
FAQ
Materials
Still have a question? Our team is happy to talk it through.
What materials does Microspec specialize in?
Polyurethanes, nylons and Pebax, engineering resins such as PEEK, PEI and polysulfone, fluoropolymers such as FEP, EFEP and PFA, and other materials including custom and proprietary formulations provided by customers.
Can Microspec help with material selection?
Yes. We apply our knowledge of materials, equipment, processes and tooling to your problem, help you find the information you need and help you interpret it. We work objectively with all material vendors and let you know when new sources and materials come onto the market.
Do you co-extrude different materials together?
Yes. Co-extrusion and tri-extrusion are routine for us, including layered walls, liners inside multi-lumen tubes and encapsulated radiopaque stripes.
FAQ
Working with Microspec
Still have a question? Our team is happy to talk it through.
Does Microspec extrude prototypes?
Yes. We welcome both prototype and high-volume commercial runs. Through process and tool design we improve the quality and functionality of complex tubing and simplify your device assembly.
What is the smallest or largest run you can deliver?
Any size, from small development lots to millions of tubes. Our 46,500 square foot facility in Peterborough, New Hampshire holds 18 extrusion lines and 22 extruders, a machine shop for custom tooling and a dedicated R&D lab.
What information does Microspec need from me?
Drawings and specifications help most. We would also like to know the materials you are considering and why, the characteristics you most want, what the tubing must do, the dimensions you are considering for OD, ID, lumens and web thickness, and your time frame.
How quickly can Microspec deliver a prototype?
The more complex an extrusion, the more time it takes to meet your exact specifications. Because engineering, tooling and extrusion stay inside Microspec, modifications are faster and more precise at every stage.
Do you support validation?
Yes. Our JumpStart Validation Program plans validation from the first prototype and runs in defined phases through OQ and PQ, with PPAP available.
Can I get a catalog or product list?
We are a custom manufacturer, so we do not have a catalog or product list. We are happy to send samples or answer any questions.
FAQ
About the company
Still have a question? Our team is happy to talk it through.
How long has Microspec been in business?
Microspec began in 1989 without its own equipment, a permanent home or even a customer, but with a clear vision: to become a driving force for innovation in custom medical extrusion. We celebrated our 35th anniversary in 2024.
How large is Microspec?
Small enough for every employee to take personal responsibility for your tubing and large enough to handle the most demanding commercial runs. We have about 120 people, with very low turnover and technicians averaging more than a decade of experience.
Is Microspec ISO certified?
Yes. We are certified to ISO 13485:2016 by Intertek, certificate number 0052503-03.
Keep exploring
Helpful next steps.
Technical glossary
Definitions for common extrusion and materials terms.
Detailed request form
Send drawings and tolerances for a quote.
Extrusion capabilities
Everything we extrude, in one place.
Still have a question?
Send us your specs, or just describe the problem. A member of our team will follow up personally to walk through tolerances, materials and schedule.
Start a project
Tell us about your part and our team will follow up personally.
Have full drawings and tolerances? Use our detailed request form.