Radio Frequency Pigtail Curling | CATHTIP Magnum RF Tipping Machine
Challenge
A medical device manufacturer needed a reliable method for producing precision pigtail curls in catheter tubing while maintaining consistent geometry, material integrity, and repeatable results.
Traditional thermal forming methods can struggle with delicate, thin-walled tubing, especially when precise temperature control and complex tip configurations are required. The manufacturer needed a controlled, repeatable process capable of creating uniform pigtail shapes without compromising catheter performance or production efficiency.
Process
The Magnum’s closed-loop temperature control enables accurate heat management across a wide range of tubing materials and wall thicknesses. Combined with optimized RF tooling, multiple heating stages, and active cooling throughout the cycle, the system supports consistent pigtail formation while minimizing material distortion.
A modular Pigtail Black Box tooling set further enhances process flexibility, allowing manufacturers to produce complex catheter configurations through a controlled, single-tube-flow operation.
Key Process Features:
- Optimized RF Tooling: Specialized tooling designed for precise pigtail geometry.
- Closed-Loop Temperature Control: Consistent, accurate heating for thin- and thick-walled materials.
- Multi-Stage Heating: Controlled heat application throughout the forming process.
- Active Cooling: Supports dimensional stability and consistent finished shapes.
- Single-Tube-Flow Operation: Streamlines the curling process.
- Modular Tooling Design: Provides flexibility for specialized catheter configurations.
Solution: CATHTIP Magnum RF Tipping Machine
MMT”s CATHTIP Magnum RF Tipping Machine demonstrated a controlled approach to manufacturing complex pigtail catheter geometries, offering several potential production advantages:
- Improved consistency in pigtail curl formation.
- Greater process repeatability through precise thermal control.
- Reduced risk of material distortion during forming.
- Increased flexibility for complex catheter designs.
- A more streamlined approach to precision catheter tip manufacturing.
By combining advanced RF heating technology with innovative tooling, MMT provides catheter manufacturers with a flexible solution for producing intricate pigtail configurations while supporting demanding quality and production requirements.
