Coextrusion

What are Coextrusions?

Coextrusion is an advanced extrusion process that combines multiple polymers into a single extruded product. Unlike standard extrusion, which uses a single polymer material, coextrusion employs two or more different materials, each fed through its own extruder, to create multi-layered tubing or profiles with distinct functional properties. This technology is widely used in the medical device industry to optimize performance characteristics such as flexibility, chemical resistance, and radiopacity.

Let’s Talk: Coextrusion is just one of Medical Extrusion Technologies’ specialties, reach out with your specific needs to get started!

Custom Coextrusion Solutions for Medical Devices

Medical Extrusion Technologies specializes in precision coextrusion, delivering high-performance solutions tailored to the rigorous demands of medical applications. Our capabilities include:

• Multi-Layer Tubing – Combining different materials within a single extrusion to enhance properties such as biocompatibility, flexibility, or chemical resistance. Ideal for catheters, drug delivery systems, and guidewires.
• Radiopaque Extrusions – Incorporating contrast layers for improved visibility under fluoroscopy and X-ray imaging.
• Barrier Layers for Drug Delivery – Constructing multi-layer tubing with precise inner and outer material compositions to control drug permeability and prevent leaching.
• Selective Material Placement – Utilizing coextrusion to place high-performance materials where needed, such as a lubricious inner layer for reduced friction or a durable outer layer for mechanical strength.

How the Coextrusion Process Works

During coextrusion, multiple extruders feed different polymers into a die, forming a structured, layered extrusion rather than a mixed blend. This allows for precise control over the thickness and functionality of each layer. Common configurations include:

• Dual-layer extrusions for catheter shafts requiring a lubricious inner layer and a flexible outer layer.
• Triple-layer extrusions for tubing with an impermeable barrier to protect sensitive drugs or prevent chemical interactions.
• Striped coextrusions to incorporate radiopaque markers or color-coding for procedural identification.

Why Choose Medical Extrusion Technologies?

With extensive experience in polymer science and medical device manufacturing, we provide:

• Tailored Material Selection – Expertise in medical-grade thermoplastics and fluoropolymers to meet biocompatibility and performance needs.
• Advanced Process Control – Cutting-edge extrusion technology ensuring consistency, precision, and repeatability.
• Regulatory Compliance – Manufacturing aligned with stringent medical industry standards to support FDA and ISO 13485 requirements.

Medical Extrusion Technologies is your trusted partner for high-quality coextrusion solutions that enable innovation in medical device design.

Contact us today to discuss your coextrusion needs!