Your projects are in capable hands at CATHTIP. The teams creating your proof-of-concept catheter parts, prototypes and development processes are intimately acquainted with the best, most versatile, powerful machines on the market. CATHTIP catheter tipping equipment employs Radio Frequency (RF) induction as a means of heating a forming die. So, what exactly is RF and how does CATHTIP harness that power for you?
How Radio Frequency Catheter Tipping Works:
CATHTIP’s radio frequency generator produces an electromagnetic field. These waves are channeled through customized copper coils, designed by our experienced team for your application, creating just the right amount of heat in just the right locations for tipping, flaring or bonding. The die serves as the induction element, so heat is generated within the walls of the die itself immediately — which makes for the speediest process.
Coils are fabricated for each specific application. Varying the coil configuration allows heat to be distributed as needed for each different part geometry. For example a radial wind coil directs heat to a finer area, such as needed in a lap weld, while an axial wind coil broadens the heated area, necessary for achieving a long taper. Every application requires precision and that is achievable with precisely designed heating coils.
Dies are placed inside the field of the inductor — in our case, the copper coil. Heat is surface generated and penetration is dependent upon frequency. Generally, small or thin parts heat more quickly than large or thick parts. Certain polymers may flow best with a longer heat cycle and a lower power output.
Force, current, and temperature can all be finely adjusted and controlled by closed-loop feedback. This better control results in more accurate, consistent parts in a repeatable process.
A key step in the thermo-forming process is to set the formed shape by cooling. The timing of the change from heating to cooling is dependent upon the thickness of the die and the polymers being formed. Air nozzles are precisely positioned to effect a particular outcome. Liquid cooling of the die mounting block enables better process control and shorter cycle times.
Visit CATHTIP’s video library for more tutorials on all the capabilities of your powerful RF tipping equipment. CATHTIP also offers advanced training for your engineers or R&D team if you’d like to learn more — at your facility or ours.
Contact us at solutions@cathtip.com or call 435-628-1775 about your catheter project, training or to learn more.
