Balloon catheter materials and heat sealing process

Balloon Catheter Materials

Balloon Materials:
Common materials include polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and its alloys, and polyester (PET). These materials exhibit high strength, non-expandability, thermal stability, chemical stability, and sterilizability. For example, balloons used in angioplasty must have controllable dimensions to prevent overexpansion and artery damage or rupture.

Catheter Materials:
The outer layer is made of polyurethane, while the inner layer uses Pebax. Alternatively, the catheter shaft may be constructed from radiopaque nylon 12 copolymer with a hydrophilic coating. Pebax 7033 is also occasionally employed.

Other Component Materials:

• Insertion sleeve: Pebax
• Probe: Stainless steel
• Y-connector: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Catheter hub: Polyurethane
• Balloon lumen connector: Polycarbonate
• Radiopaque markers: Platinum-iridium alloy (10% iridium)

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Balloon Catheter Thermal Bonding Process

Purpose of Thermal Bonding:
To securely bond the balloon and catheter into a complete balloon catheter product.

Key Process Steps:

1. Preheating Treatment:

   • The welding area of the medical balloon catheter undergoes preheating to enhance fusion quality and sealing.
   • Preheating temperature: 250–400°C (varies based on material and thickness).

2. Welding Methods:

   • Commonly used equipment includes the Puxiong Medical Thermal Welding Machine, which offers advantages such as minimal deformation, high bonding strength, and efficiency, making it widely adopted in balloon catheter manufacturing.

3. Post-heat Treatment:

   • Post-weld heat treatment is applied to eliminate residual stress in the bonded area.

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High-Frequency Welding Machine Applications

Advantages:

• Energy efficiency: Over 50% energy savings compared to traditional resistance welding.
• Rapid heating: High-frequency currents (up to several kHz) enable instant heating to target temperatures.
• Compact design: Lightweight and adaptable to confined spaces.
• Precision control: Customizable parameters (e.g., heating rate, dwell time) for diverse materials.
• Eco-friendly: No emissions of waste gas or wastewater.

Performance in Manufacturing:
High-frequency welding machines improve production efficiency, ensure weld quality, reduce energy costs, and minimize labor intensity in medical balloon catheter fabrication.