Skip Navigation Links
The World's Thinnest, Strongest, and Smallest Heat Shrink Tubing Custom and Stock Medical Balloons Serving the Medical Device Industry since 1989 ISO 13485:2003 Registered
Skip Navigation Links
Heat Shrink Tubing
Skip Navigation Links
Applications
Catheter Tip Forming
Expand Catheter Tip Forming
Tube Joining
Expand Tube Joining
Tube Drawing
Expand Tube Drawing
Masking Procedures
Micro Hose Clamps
Protective Covering
Tube Marking

Heat Shrink Tubing - Applications - Micro Hose Clamps

Bands of heat shrink tubing can be used as micro hose clamps on balloon catheters and other devices to reinforce bonds and help prevent failure under pressure. A narrow band of heat shrink tubing is applied over the end of the balloon. The polyester tubing, with its high hoop strength, grips the part much like a hose clamp, reinforcing the bond and keeping it from lifting off. It also provides a smooth transition without adding significantly to the bond diameter. The tubing can also be used to terminate braiding, spring coils and other parts to provide a smooth transition.


Micro Hose Clamp Clear 1 mm bands of polyester shrink tubing are shrunk over both ends of this latex balloon (shown uninflated and partially inflated). The shrink tubing acts like hose clamps to reinforce the bonds and therefore prevent the inflated balloon from peeling away from the catheter tube and leaking.

The key properties of polyester heat shrink tubing in micro hose clamp applications are:

  • Has substantial hoop strength to reinforce bonds and other areas
  • Very thin so it does not add significantly to the device diameter
  • Can help smooth diameter transitions
  • Can be used to terminate braiding, springs, etc.
  • Adhesive can be UV-cured through the clear tubing