PTFE etched tubing is thin-wall PTFE tubing with an etched, bondable outer surface — what the industry calls a PTFE liner. It forms the innermost layer of braided and coil catheter shafts and is used with FEP heat shrink during jacket reflow. Free extrusion, mandrel extrusion or dip coating is chosen by bore and wall.
| Free extrusion | Mandrel extrusion | Dip coating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandrel | None | Silver-plated copper | Silver-plated copper |
| Inner diameter (ID) | 0.004″ – 0.120″ | 0.35 – 1.5 mm | 0.1 – 1.8 mm |
| ID tolerance | ± 0.001″ | ± 0.0005″ | ± 0.0005″ |
| Wall | 0.00075″ – 0.0010″ | 0.02 – 0.04 mm | 0.005 – 0.012 mm |
| Length | 90″ max | 90″ max | 2500 mm |
| Surface treatment | Etched | Etched | Etched |
| Sterilization | Autoclave, EtO | Autoclave, EtO | Autoclave, EtO |
| Strength | ●●●●○ | ●●●◐○ | ●●●○○ |
| Flexibility | ●●●●○ | ●●●●◐ | ●●●●● |
| Extruded PTFE liner | Co-extruded PTFE liner | Coating PTFE liner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandrel | None | Silver-plated copper | Silver-plated copper |
| Inner diameter (ID) | 0.18 – 6.50 mm | 0.35 – 1.86 mm | 0.10 – 1.80 mm |
| ID tolerance | ± 0.03 mm | ± 0.01 mm | ± 0.01 mm |
| Wall | 0.02 – 0.08 mm | 0.02 – 0.04 mm | 0.01 – 0.02 mm |
| Length | Max. 2,500 mm | Max. 2,500 mm | Max. 2,500 mm |
| Surface treatment | Etched · secondary etch | Etched · secondary etch | Etched · secondary etch |
| Sterilization | Autoclave, EtO | Autoclave, EtO | Autoclave, EtO |
The two sources were published at different times on different bases, so figures differ slightly. Send your target ID, wall and tolerance and we confirm the actual range.
The main use is the catheter shaft liner. The etched tube goes on a mandrel, braid or coil is wound over it, and a Pebax · nylon jacket is reflowed under FEP heat shrink so liner, reinforcement and jacket become one. The bore stays plain PTFE, so guidewires and devices pass with little friction. Widely used in cardiovascular and neurovascular catheters and stent delivery systems.
All three are PTFE. "Liner" names a role, not a material — what separates them is which conditions the tube meets.
Free-standing tubing extruded without a core. Walls are relatively thick and it is used on its own for guidewire lumens, fluid lines and protective tubing. Unetched, a jacket will not bond to it, so it is not used as a liner.
Extruded tubing whose outer surface has been etched to bond. If the wall is thin enough it is slipped onto a mandrel and used directly as a liner — common in large-bore sheaths and guiding catheters.
Etched PTFE extruded or coated directly onto silver-plated copper wire at 0.01–0.04 mm walls. The wire holds the ID to a tight tolerance; the shaft is braided and reflowed on the wire, which is then stretched and pulled out. Small-bore products such as microcatheters that need 0.025 mm class walls are made this way.
Same PTFE. Thin-wall PTFE tubing with an etched OD is called a liner when it forms the catheter inner layer. For small bores and ultra-thin walls, use a mandrel-extruded or coated liner; otherwise free-extruded etched tubing.
Free extrusion covers the widest bore range, mandrel (co-)extrusion holds the tightest ID tolerance, and coating reaches the thinnest walls and smallest bores. Send target ID, wall and tolerance and we propose the process.
Yes. All three processes are etched as standard; add a secondary etch when more bond strength is needed.
UHMWPE liner is available as a PTFE liner alternative. It is PFAS-free and more wear resistant.
PTFE has very low surface energy and will not bond as extruded. Etching lets the jacket reflow and adhesives bond, so it can serve as a catheter liner.
Etched surfaces lose bond strength with light and time, so store dark. Storage conditions and recommended use period are given in the TDS.
Yes. TDS · MSDS come with every specification reply. ISO 10993 biocompatibility data varies by grade and lot, so we confirm it with the factory (Linstant) and reply.
Standard sizes start with small sample lots. MOQ and lead time depend on dimensions, material and secondary processing — send OD · ID · wall · tolerance · length · quantity and we reply within one business day.
Inner diameter, wall thickness, length and operating environment — those four settle the item. We reply with TDS, MSDS and MOQ.
