Single-Lumen Tubing
For catheter shafts, fluid paths, liners, and prototype applications where one channel is sufficient.
BROWSE SINGLE-LUMENPolymer Tubing Guide for Medical Device R&D
R&D engineers go to Chamfr first to explore, compare, and buy polymer tubing. With in-stock availability, make-to-order options and custom RFQ sourcing paths, engineers can move from early material evaluation to sourcing without jumping between multiple supplier sites and get to design freeze faster.
Why Chamfr
Where R&D Engineers Start Their Search First
Chamfr gives R&D engineers a stronger starting point than a single supplier site: one marketplace to compare all available tubing options, evaluate supplier fit, buy prototype quantities, and submit custom RFQs when the exact size, material, or construction is not listed.
Compare Faster
Explore materials, constructions, sizes, and qualified suppliers without jumping between multiple websites.
Built for R&D
Find prototype-ready and small-quantity tubing options for feasibility builds and design iterations.
One-Stop Shop
Buy all available options or request custom tubing when you need a specific size, material, tolerance, or construction from multiple qualified suppliers.
Material Finder
Start With the Performance Need
Polymer tubing selection often starts with what the tubing needs to do. Use the performance needs below to identify common material families and sourcing paths to explore.
What Are You Optimizing For?
This guide helps narrow starting points for R&D sourcing. Final material selection should be reviewed against device requirements, processing methods, testing, regulatory strategy, and supplier documentation.
Recommended Starting Points
Pebax family
Useful for catheter shaft sections, soft 25D/35D options, flexibility transitions, and select balloon tubing applications.
Browse Pebax TubingLow friction Pebax / TPU
Evaluate ProPell, EverGlide, lubricious Pebax, TPU, and other low-friction compounds as alternatives to PTFE-lined constructions when design requirements allow.
Browse Low Friction TubingNylon / polyamide
Often considered for pushable shafts, balloon tubing, and kink-resistant tubing.
Browse Nylon TubingPET / polyester
Common starting point for balloon tubing, high-strength thin-wall needs, and specialty polyester applications.
Browse PET TubingPTFE and etched liners
Common starting point for low-friction liners, PTFE-lined reinforced shafts, and bondable etched liner constructions.
Browse Etched PTFE LinersPolyimide and composites
Useful when thin-wall capability, dimensional stability, or composite reinforced shaft constructions are important.
Browse Polyimide TubingReinforced shaft constructions
Compare braid-reinforced, coil-reinforced, PTFE-lined, Pebax-jacketed, polyimide/composite, and deflectable shaft constructions.
Browse Reinforced TubingTungsten-loaded and BaSO4-loaded polymer tubing
Evaluate radiopaque tubing options by tungsten or BaSO4 loading, base polymer, additive percentage, stiffness impact, and visibility need.
Browse Tungsten-Loaded TubingPolyurethane / TPU
Useful for soft, flexible, compliant, low-friction, and select balloon tubing concepts across A-scale and D-scale ranges.
Browse Polyurethane TubingPolyethylene / polyolefin
HDPE may be evaluated for pushable dilators, access sheaths, stiffeners, and chemical-resistant tubing concepts.
Browse HDPE TubingSilicone & elastomers
Medical-grade silicone and elastomer options may be considered for soft, compliant, PVC-alternative, and fluid path designs.
Browse Silicone TubingNeed supplier input? Use RFQ when you are unsure which material, grade, construction, or supplier capability can support the requirement.
Quick Shop
Browse by Construction or Design Need
Start with the tubing construction or design requirement closest to your project. If the listed material, size, and quantity work for your prototype, browse available options. If you need a custom size, material, tolerance, or construction, submit an RFQ.
Multi-Lumen Tubing
For designs requiring multiple channels for guidewires, fluids, sensors, wires, or delivery functions.
BROWSE MULTI-LUMENMultilayer Tubing
For constructions combining inner-liner performance, outer-jacket behavior, bonding layers, or material transitions.
BROWSE MULTILAYEREtched PTFE Liners
For low-friction liner applications where bonding or over-jacketing may be required in catheter shaft designs.
BROWSE ETCHED LINERSLow Friction Tubing
For designs evaluating lubricious Pebax, TPU, ProPell, EverGlide, or other low-friction polymer alternatives to PTFE-lined constructions.
BROWSE LOW FRICTIONReinforced Tubing
For shaft designs where support, torque response, kink resistance, or composite construction may matter.
BROWSE REINFORCEDDeflectable Shafts
For steerable catheter designs requiring pull-wire integration, controlled bending, or active deflection.
BROWSE DEFLECTABLE SHAFTSTungsten-Loaded Tubing
For radiopaque tubing needs using tungsten-loaded base polymers across Pebax, nylon, and HDPE families.
BROWSE TUNGSTEN-LOADEDCustom Polymer Tubing
For non-listed materials, custom dimensions, multilayer constructions, special tolerances, or supplier review.
SUBMIT TUBING RFQ
Compare
Polymer Tubing Material Families
Use this matrix to narrow your search before browsing product listings. Final selection should be reviewed against the device design, manufacturing process, supplier documentation, and development stage.
Scroll right to compare all columns →
| Material family | Common Starting Points | Common design considerations | What to Compare | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pebax | Catheter shaft sections, flexibility transitions, soft-to-stiff zones | Flexibility, pushability, kink resistance, additive package, durometer | Grade, durometer, ID, OD, wall, additives, lead time | Compare / Shop Pebax |
| Nylon / polyamide | Pushable shafts, balloon tubing, kink-resistant tubing | Stiffness, toughness, balloon processing, radiopaque additives | Grade, size, wall, tolerance, additive, supplier capability | Compare / Shop Nylon |
| Polyurethane / TPU | Soft flexible tubing, compliant segments, specialty medical tubing | Softness, elasticity, toughness, biostability, processing | Hardness scale, grade, ID/OD, length, supplier documentation | Compare / Shop PU |
| Low friction compounds | Lubricious Pebax, TPU, ProPell, EverGlide, and PTFE alternatives | Lubricity, friction reduction, bonding, shaft construction, material compatibility | Base polymer, grade, additive system, ID/OD, wall, supplier capability | Compare / Shop Low Friction |
| PTFE / etched PTFE | Low-friction liners and bondable etched liner constructions | Lubricity, bonding, over-jacketing, liner wall, shaft construction | Etched vs non-etched, ID/OD, wall, tolerance, construction | Compare / Shop Liners |
| Polyimide / composites | Thin-wall liners, dimensionally stable tubing, composite constructions | Wall efficiency, stiffness, temperature, bondability, composite layers | Construction, wall, tolerance, ID/OD, liner or jacket requirements | Compare / Shop Polyimide |
| Polyolefin | HDPE, LDPE, polypropylene, TPE options | Pushability, access sheath or dilator concepts, chemical resistance, PVC alternatives | Grade, stiffness, thickness, tolerance, process fit | Compare / Shop HDPE |
| PET / polyester / PBT | Balloon tubing, high-strength thin-wall needs, specialty polyester applications | Strength, wall behavior, processing, blow molding feasibility | Grade, IV, size, application, supplier capability | Compare / Shop PET |
| Silicone / elastomers | Soft, compliant, fluid path, drainage, pump tubing concepts | Softness, elasticity, fluid compatibility, application duration | Hardness, base material, dimensions, replacement intent | Compare / Shop Silicone |
| Radiopaque options | Tungsten-loaded and BaSO4-loaded polymer tubing | Visibility, additive loading, base polymer, stiffness impact | Tungsten or BaSO4 loading %, base polymer, size, marker strategy | Compare / Shop Tungsten |
| PEEK / specialty plastics | High-performance structural, chemical-resistance, or high-temperature needs | Stiffness, heat, chemical resistance, implant considerations | Grade, size, certification needs, custom availability | Compare / Shop PEEK |
Materials
Sourcing Considerations & Material Families
Use these sections to understand where each family may fit, what to compare, and where to go next on Chamfr.
Pebax is commonly evaluated for catheter shaft designs where engineers need flexibility transitions, soft distal sections, pushability, or kink resistance. Lower-durometer Pebax grades such as 25D and 35D may be useful starting points for softer or more compliant shaft sections, while higher durometers may support stiffer transitions or proximal sections. Compare durometer, wall thickness, ID, OD, additives, and supplier capability when selecting Pebax Tubing for R&D.
Common Starting Points
Flexible-to-stiff transitionsSoft distal sectionsPebax 25D / 35DRadiopaque PebaxLow-friction Pebax
Use When
- You need flexible-to-stiff shaft transitions.
- Durometer selection is central to performance.
- Radiopaque or lubricity additives may be relevant.
Consider Alternatives When
- Ultra-low friction liner performance is the primary requirement.
- Thin-wall dimensional stability is more important than flexibility range.
What to Compare
- Durometer, grade, ID, OD, and wall thickness.
- Additives, radiopacity, lubricity, and color.
- Supplier capability, documentation, and lead time.
Nylon and polyamide tubing may be useful when shaft support, toughness, pushability, or balloon tubing performance matters. Compare exact grade, additive package, ID, OD, wall thickness, tolerance, and supplier documentation.
Common Starting Points
Pushable shaftBalloon tubingKink resistanceRadiopaque additive
Use When
- Pushability, toughness, or shaft support matters.
- Balloon processing or wall behavior is part of the design.
- You need to compare stiffness and additive options.
Consider Alternatives When
- Soft flexibility is the primary design need.
- Low-friction liner performance is the primary requirement.
- A very thin-wall composite construction is needed.
What to Compare
- Exact grade and spelling variant.
- Material family and additive package.
- ID, OD, wall, tolerance, and French size.
Polyurethane and TPU tubing may be evaluated for soft, flexible, compliant, or durable medical tubing concepts. Compare hardness scale, grade, processing fit, additives, dimensions, and application duration.
Common Starting Points
Soft flexible tubingCompliant shaft sectionsLow-friction TPUBalloon tubing conceptsSpecialty elastomer tubing
Use When
- Softness, flexibility, or compliance matters.
- TPU is being evaluated as an alternative to other soft polymers.
- Low-friction TPU compounds may support the design need.
Consider Alternatives When
- Higher stiffness or pushability is required.
- Ultra-thin-wall dimensional stability is more important.
- A dedicated PTFE liner is needed.
What to Compare
- Hardness scale, grade, and base material.
- ID, OD, wall thickness, and length.
- Additives, processing fit, and supplier documentation.
PTFE is often selected for low-friction liner applications. Etched PTFE variants may be useful when bonding or over-jacketing is needed in catheter shaft constructions.
Common Starting Points
PTFE linersEtched PTFE linersPTFE-lined reinforced shaftsLow-friction catheter liners
Use When
- Low-friction liner performance is important.
- Guidewire or device passage is a priority.
- Bonding or over-jacketing may be required.
Consider Alternatives When
- You want to evaluate low-friction Pebax or TPU compounds instead of a PTFE liner.
- Bonding, wall thickness, or processing constraints make PTFE less ideal.
What to Compare
- Etched vs non-etched surface needs.
- Bonding and interface requirements.
- Supplier documentation and processing constraints.
Low-friction polymer tubing may be evaluated when engineers need reduced friction or improved device movement without relying only on a PTFE liner construction. Compare low-friction Pebax, TPU, ProPell, EverGlide, Mobilize, PTFE-lined, and etched liner options based on friction requirements, bonding needs, shaft construction, ID, OD, wall thickness, and supplier capability.
Common Starting Points
Low-friction PebaxLow-friction TPUProPellEverGlideMobilizePTFE-lined constructionsEtched PTFE liners
Use When
- You need a lubricious polymer construction.
- You are evaluating alternatives to PTFE-lined constructions.
- Bondability, shaft construction, or material compatibility matters.
Consider Alternatives When
- A dedicated PTFE liner is required for ultra-low-friction performance.
- Bonding, regulatory, processing, or supplier documentation points to another construction.
What to Compare
- Base polymer, grade, and additive system.
- Friction target, ID, OD, wall, and tolerance.
- Supplier documentation and processing constraints.
Polyimide is commonly evaluated when thin-wall capability, dimensional stability, stiffness, or composite tubing construction is important. It may be used in catheter liners, reinforced shafts, electrical insulation, and other high-performance medical device applications.
Common Starting Points
Thin-wall tubingComposite linersReinforced shaft constructionsElectrical insulationDimensionally stable components
Use When
- Wall efficiency is a key requirement.
- Dimensional stability matters.
- A composite liner or reinforced shaft is being evaluated.
Consider Alternatives When
- Soft flexibility is the primary need.
- Low-friction performance is better solved with PTFE or low-friction compounds.
- Cost, processing, or kink behavior points to another material family.
What to Compare
- Construction, wall, tolerance, ID, and OD.
- Liner, jacket, or reinforcement requirements.
- Supplier documentation and processing constraints.
Reinforced shaft constructions may be evaluated when torque response, pushability, kink resistance, steerability, or composite architecture matters. Compare braid-reinforced, coil-reinforced, PTFE-lined, Pebax-jacketed, polyimide/composite, and deflectable shaft constructions based on shaft performance needs and supplier capability.
Common Starting Points
Braid-reinforced shaftsCoil-reinforced shaftsPTFE-lined shaftsPebax-jacketed shaftsPolyimide/composite shaftsDeflectable shafts
Use When
- Torque response, pushability, kink resistance, or steerability matter.
- The shaft requires composite construction.
- A PTFE liner, braid/coil reinforcement, and outer jacket need to work together.
Consider Alternatives When
- A simple single-lumen tube is enough for the prototype.
- You are still evaluating basic material flexibility before moving into shaft construction.
- The design needs custom architecture and should go through RFQ.
What to Compare
- Liner, braid or coil, jacket, and layer construction.
- Torque response, kink resistance, pushability, and steerability needs.
- Supplier capability, tolerances, documentation, and lead time.
Polyolefin tubing families may be evaluated for pushable dilators, access sheaths, stiffeners, chemical-resistant tubing, and PVC-free flexible options depending on the base polymer and grade.
Common Starting Points
HDPE tubingLDPE tubingPolypropylene tubingTPE or flexible polyolefin optionsPushable dilatorsAccess sheath concepts
Use When
- Pushability, chemical resistance, or PVC-free material evaluation matters.
- You are evaluating HDPE, LDPE, polypropylene, or TPE for a specific tubing need.
Consider Alternatives When
- Balloon tubing is the design need.
- Catheter shaft flexibility range is the primary requirement.
- Bondable liner performance matters.
What to Compare
- Grade, stiffness, and base polymer.
- ID, OD, wall, tolerance, and process fit.
- Supplier documentation and application fit.
PET and related polyester-family options may be considered where strength, thin-wall behavior, or balloon processing requirements matter. Review processing needs and whether the material is being used as a process aid or device component.
Common Starting Points
Balloon tubingHigh-strength thin-wall applicationsSpecialty polyester tubingProcess-aid tubing
Use When
- Balloon strength, wall behavior, or processing requirements matter.
- Thin-wall strength is a key evaluation factor.
Consider Alternatives When
- Softer compliance or flexibility is needed.
- Shaft transition behavior is more important than balloon performance.
What to Compare
- Grade, IV, size, and wall behavior.
- Application intent and processing needs.
- Supplier capability and documentation.
Silicone and Elastomer Tubing may be evaluated for soft, compliant, fluid-path, drainage, pump, or replacement applications. Confirm application duration, fluid compatibility, sterilization pathway, and documentation needs with suppliers.
Common Starting Points
Soft tubingFluid path tubingDrainage tubingPump tubingPVC-alternative concepts
Use When
- Softness, compliance, flexibility, or fluid compatibility matters.
- The application requires elastomeric behavior.
Consider Alternatives When
- Pushability, torque response, or thin-wall dimensional stability matters.
- Catheter shaft transition behavior is better served by Pebax or TPU.
What to Compare
- Hardness, base material, and dimensions.
- Fluid compatibility, sterilization pathway, and application duration.
- Documentation needs and supplier capability.
Radiopaque polymer tubing uses additives such as tungsten or barium sulfate in a base polymer. Compare tungsten or BaSO4 loading, additive percentage, base polymer, size, wall thickness, stiffness impact, and visibility requirements. Marker bands may also be evaluated as an alternative or complement.
Common Starting Points
Tungsten-loaded polymer tubingBaSO4-loaded tubingRadiopaque PebaxRadiopaque nylonRadiopaque HDPEMarker bands
Use When
- Visibility under imaging is required.
- Radiopacity needs to be built into the polymer tubing.
- You are comparing additive loading and base polymer tradeoffs.
Consider Alternatives When
- A discrete marker band may provide better visibility or design control.
- Additive loading affects stiffness, processing, or wall behavior too much.
What to Compare
- Tungsten or BaSO4 loading percentage.
- Base polymer, size, wall thickness, and stiffness impact.
- Visibility requirements and marker strategy.
Specialty plastics such as PEEK, PEI, PVDF, and related high-performance materials may be relevant for structural, chemical-resistance, temperature-related, or specialized medical device needs. Because catalog depth can be more limited, RFQ is often the best path for custom requirements.
Common Starting Points
PEEK tubingPEI tubingPVDF tubingHigh-performance structural tubingChemical-resistant tubingHigh-temperature tubing
Use When
- Stiffness, chemical resistance, heat resistance, or high-performance properties matter.
- The design requires a specialty engineering plastic.
Consider Alternatives When
- Flexibility, compliance, or low-friction liner performance is more important.
- The required tubing is not listed and should go through RFQ.
What to Compare
- Grade, size, certification needs, and custom availability.
- Chemical resistance, temperature, stiffness, and implant considerations.
- Supplier capability and documentation requirements.
Polymer Tubing Specs
Engineers Review Before Sourcing
Before adding a listed product to cart or sending an RFQ to suppliers, confirm the specs your engineering, sourcing, quality, and procurement teams need to review. You can see some of the attributes in the filters on the product listing pages. You can also choose the attributes you want to see with the new dynamic columns feature.
Material family
Material grade
Durometer
Tubing type
ID
OD
Wall thickness
Length
French size
Tolerance
Additives
Radiopacity
Lubricity
Layer construction
Reinforcement
MOQ / pack size
Lead time
Documentation needs
Qualified Suppliers
Find the Right Supplier for Your Tubing Needs
Browse multiple qualified MedTech supplier offerings on Chamfr on the polymer tubing page. Use this list to compare options in a one-stop shop, then explore each supplier storefront for product availability, capabilities, and fit.
- 3TG Tech31 products
- AP Technologies93 products
- Component Supply79 products
- Cordis Manufacturing Solutions39 products
- DuPont Spectrum49 products
- Dynaflex Technologies202 products
- ElringKlinger Engineered Plastics1 products
- ICS Medical Devices2 products
- Impact Catheters99 products
- jMedtech Coating Technologies Pte Ltd19 products
- Junkosha262 products
- Keystone Medical Technologies991 products
- LightningCath21 products
- Lubrizol25 products
- Martech Medical14 products
- Medeologix8 products
- Medibrane2 products
- Medical Component Specialists3 products
- Micro-Tek122 products
- Microcatheter Components35 products
- Midwest Interventional Systems290 products
- MMT254 products
- Poba Medical177 products
- Point Medical23 products
- Renegade Medical Extrusion470 products
- Resolution Medical1 products
- Specialized Engineering174 products
- Steer Medical35 products
- Systematic Extrusion90 products
- Viant42 products
- Xtruline77 products
- Zeus92 products
Related Components
Components Engineers Often Source With Polymer Tubing
Polymer tubing decisions often connect to heat shrink, mandrels, hypotubes, marker bands, guidewires, and assembly tooling. Use related categories to keep sourcing in one workflow.
Heat Shrink Tubing
FEP, PET, PTFE, Pebax, polyolefin, and related processing needs.
Browse Heat Shrink
Mandrels
Mandrels and wires for catheter development, shaft builds, and process support.
Browse Mandrels
Metal Tubing
Hypotubes, laser-cut hypotubes, stainless steel tubing, and nitinol tubing.
Browse Metal Tubing
Marker Bands
Radiopaque components that may be evaluated alongside radiopaque tubing options.
Browse Marker Bands
Guidewires & Accessories
Adjacent components for catheter and delivery-system builds.
Browse Guidewires
R&D Lab Kits / Tools
Development resources and tools that help teams prototype faster.
Browse R&D Lab KitsResources
Polymer Tubing Resources for R&D Teams
Use technical resources to compare materials, supplier capabilities, and development tradeoffs before design decisions become harder to change.
PTFE in Catheter Development
Explore PTFE performance, constraints, and broader material-selection factors such as bonding, sterilization, supply chain, and regulatory planning.
Read Technical Article
PTFE Replacements
PTFE is replaceable in thin-wall liner applications. Learn why selecting a PTFE alternative can be a misleading approach.
Read Technical Article
Polymer Tubing Podcast
Listen to Steve Maxson’s conversation with Ned Burnett, PhD, from Saint-Gobain about why polymer selection is one of the most important and under-discussed parts of modern MedTech device design.
Listen to the Podcast
Pebax® and Polyolefin HST
Learn where Pebax® and Polyolefin Heat Shrink Tubing fit in medical device design, including applications for laser-cut hypotube jacketing, electrical insulation, and four additional use cases in an in-depth guide.
Read Technical ArticleShop vs RFQ
Should You Buy Listed Tubing or Submit an RFQ?
Not sure which path fits your project? Use these signals to decide.
Buy Online When
- The listed material, size, and tubing type match your requirement.
- The MOQ or pack size works for your prototype or development build.
- The lead time supports your timeline.
- You want to add products to cart and check out directly.
- You need a shareable product link for team review.
Submit an RFQ When
- You need a custom ID, OD, wall thickness, length, or tolerance.
- You need a non-listed material, grade, construction, or additive.
- You need multilayer, reinforced, or specialty tubing.
- You need supplier review before pricing or lead time can be confirmed.
- You need documentation, validation support, or production-volume sourcing.
FAQ
Polymer Tubing Questions R&D Teams Ask
What Is Polymer Tubing Used For in Medical Device Development?
Polymer tubing is used in catheter shafts, liners, delivery systems, fluid paths, insulation, protective components, and prototype assemblies.
What Polymer Tubing Materials Are Available on Chamfr?
Chamfr includes tubing across families such as Pebax, nylon/polyamide, polyurethane/TPU, PTFE, polyimide, polyolefin, PET/polyester, silicone/elastomers, radiopaque/tungsten-loaded materials, and specialty plastics.
How Should R&D Engineers Choose Polymer Tubing?
Start With the Performance Need, then narrow by material family, grade, durometer, tubing type, dimensions, additives, supplier capability, and lead time.
What Specs Should I Check Before Ordering Polymer Tubing?
Check material, grade, ID, OD, wall thickness, tolerance, length, durometer, additives, tubing type, MOQ or pack size, lead time, and documentation needs.
When should I use Pebax Tubing?
Pebax is commonly considered for catheter shaft sections and transition zones where a range of flexibility and stiffness may be needed.
When Should I Use PTFE Tubing or Etched PTFE Liners?
PTFE is commonly considered for low-friction liner applications. Etched PTFE may be useful when bonding or over-jacketing is needed.
What Are Low-Friction Polymer Tubing Alternatives to PTFE?
Low-friction Pebax, TPU, ProPell, EverGlide, Mobilize, and related lubricious compounds may be evaluated as alternatives to PTFE-lined constructions depending on the design requirements, bonding needs, shaft construction, and supplier documentation.
What Materials Are Commonly Evaluated for Balloon Tubing?
Common balloon tubing starting points may include nylon/polyamide, PET/polyester, Pebax, and TPU depending on balloon type, processing method, compliance needs, burst strength, wall behavior, and application requirements.
When Should I Submit an RFQ for Polymer Tubing?
Submit an RFQ When you need a custom size, non-listed material, special construction, supplier review, production-volume sourcing, or documentation support.
Can I Source Small Quantities of Polymer Tubing for R&D?
Yes. Chamfr includes product listings intended to support prototype, feasibility, and early development needs, with RFQ available when listed options do not match your requirements.