PTFE tubing looks simple from the outside. A white tube, a defined inner diameter, an outer diameter and a specified length. In production, however, those dimensions are the result of several controlled steps. PTFE does not behave like conventional thermoplastic tubing during processing. Material preparation, preforming, extrusion, sintering, cooling and dimensional control all have a direct effect on the finished tube.

For WITFLON, tubing production covers standard industrial PTFE tubes as well as capillary tubes, convoluted hoses, heat shrink tubing, multi-lumen medical tubing and other application-specific products. The same manufacturing principle cannot simply be applied to every tube. A thin-wall catheter liner requires different dimensional control from a large industrial tube, while a multi-lumen profile requires control of the internal geometry in addition to the outside diameter.

WITFLON's manufacturing base covers more than 10,000 m², including 2,000 m² of cleanroom space. The company reports more than 150 extrusion pipeline production lines, 10 baking machines, 30 CNC lathes and 12 medical-grade pipe production machines. Its engineering team includes five senior engineers and five technicians, with particular development work in medical PTFE tubing.

1. Manufacturing Overview

WITFLON's PTFE tubing production is built around extrusion, post-extrusion treatment, dimensional inspection and application-specific finishing.

The manufacturing facility provides separate capabilities for standard tubing, custom tubing and medical-grade tubing. According to WITFLON's published factory information, the production site covers more than 10,000 m² and includes 2,000 m² of cleanrooms. The equipment inventory includes more than 150 extrusion production lines, 10 baking machines, 30 CNC lathes and 12 machines dedicated to medical-grade pipe production. 

This equipment base allows WITFLON to handle different tube structures and production requirements rather than relying on one extrusion setup for every product.

Production Facility

The production facility supports:

PTFE tubing extrusion

Medical PTFE tubing production

Custom-size tubing

Multi-lumen tubing

Heat shrink tubing

Convoluted and corrugated tubing

PTFE finished products

Machining and secondary processing

WITFLON's product portfolio currently includes PTFE tubing, PTFE capillary tubes, PTFE convoluted hoses, PTFE heat shrink tubes, stainless-steel braided PTFE hoses, FEP tubes and PFA tubes, together with medical PTFE products such as precision catheters, multi-lumen tubes and etched PTFE liners. 

Equipment

The published equipment list includes more than 150 extrusion pipeline production lines, 10 baking machines, 30 CNC lathes and 12 medical-grade pipe production machines. (Hubei Zetai New Material Co., Ltd.)

For tubing production, the important point is not simply the number of machines. Different tube sizes, wall structures and medical profiles require suitable tooling and process settings. A production system capable of handling standard tubing may not be suitable for a very thin-wall liner or a multi-lumen medical profile.

Engineering Team

WITFLON reports a research and engineering team consisting of five senior engineers and five technicians. The company states that its R&D work includes development of medical PTFE pipes. It also reports allocating 10% of revenue to research and development. (Hubei Zetai New Material Co., Ltd.)

For custom tubing, engineering involvement starts before production. The customer's drawing, dimensions, material requirement, tolerance and application are reviewed before the production route is determined.

Cleanroom

Medical PTFE tubing requires tighter control over the production environment than many conventional industrial tubes.

WITFLON operates 2,000 m² of cleanroom space and produces medical-grade tubing using dedicated production equipment. Its published quality information also states that medical PTFE tubing has undergone biocompatibility testing. 

Capacity

WITFLON reports a production capacity of 120 tons per month. Its published factory information lists 150 standard production lines and 15 custom production lines. The company also states that its first-pass yield remains above 98%.

The combination of standard and custom production lines is particularly relevant for OEM customers whose orders may involve non-standard dimensions or different tube structures.

2. Raw Material Preparation

PTFE tubing production begins before the material reaches the extrusion die.

The quality of the raw material affects extrusion behavior, dimensional consistency and the physical properties of the finished tube. WITFLON states that its raw materials are 100% imported from major manufacturers. 

PTFE Resin

The selected PTFE resin must match the intended product.

Factors considered include:

• Required tube dimensions
• Wall thickness
• Application temperature
• Chemical exposure
• Mechanical requirements
• Electrical insulation requirements
• Medical or industrial use
• Surface requirements

 

Virgin PTFE is suitable for many applications where chemical resistance, low friction and electrical insulation are required. Modified materials may be considered when additional mechanical or wear characteristics are needed.

Material Inspection

Before production, incoming material is checked against the required material specification.

For a custom project, material identification is particularly important because changing the resin grade can affect extrusion behavior and final dimensions.

 

Blending / Conditioning

Where the selected material requires conditioning or blending, the material is prepared according to the production specification.

The purpose is to maintain a consistent material condition before preforming. In PTFE paste extrusion, uniform preparation of the resin and processing aid is closely related to the consistency of the extruded profile.

Preforming

Prepared PTFE material is compacted into a suitable preform before extrusion.

The preform must have sufficient uniformity for stable extrusion. Irregular preparation can introduce variation into the extrusion process, making later ID, OD and wall-thickness control more difficult.

 

Raw Material Flow:

PTFE Resin → Material Inspection → Conditioning / Preparation → Preforming → Extrusion

3. PTFE Tube Extrusion

Extrusion determines the basic geometry of the tube.

For PTFE tubing, the production route generally involves preforming the material, forcing it through tooling to create the tube profile, removing processing components where applicable, sintering the PTFE structure, cooling it under controlled conditions, and then bringing the tube to the specified length or dimensions.

Preforming

The prepared PTFE material is compacted into a preform with a controlled shape and density.

This stage matters because the preform feeds the extrusion process. Variations here can later appear as dimensional changes in the tube.

Extrusion

The preform is pushed through a die and mandrel arrangement to form the basic tube profile.

The tooling determines the relationship between the inside and outside geometry. For a conventional tube, the die and mandrel establish the ID and OD. For special profiles, tooling becomes more complicated.

The extrusion stage must maintain stable material flow. Changes in processing conditions can affect:

• Tube diameter
• Wall thickness
• Concentricity
• Surface appearance
• Length consistency

Sintering

The extruded PTFE profile is heated so that the PTFE particles consolidate into a continuous structure.

Sintering is one of the most important thermal stages in PTFE tubing production. The heating profile must be controlled according to the material and tube construction.

A tube is not ready for shipment simply because it has emerged from the extrusion die. The sintering stage gives the material the integrity associated with the finished PTFE tube.

Cooling

After sintering, the tube is cooled under controlled conditions.

Cooling influences the final dimensions and shape. For precision tubing, uncontrolled cooling can make it difficult to maintain the required ID, OD and wall thickness.

Sizing

Where required, dimensional control are used to bring the tube within the specified dimensional range.

For precision products, the target is not simply a nominal OD. The relationship between ID, OD and wall thickness also has to remain stable along the produced length.

Cutting

After production, tubing can be supplied in specified cut lengths or other packaging formats according to customer requirements.

WITFLON's customized PTFE tubing information states that OEM/ODM production is available, with production time depending on order quantity and product requirements.

4. Precision Tubing Manufacturing

Precision PTFE tubing requires more than a correct nominal size.

A tube specified as 2 mm ID × 3 mm OD, for example, has three related dimensions: ID, OD and wall thickness. If one dimension moves outside the required range, the other dimensions can also be affected.

ID Control

The inner diameter determines the available passage for:

Fluids

Gas

Wires

Guidewires

Catheter components

3D printer filament

Other internal components

For medical liners and capillary tubes, ID control is often one of the critical dimensions.

OD Control

OD determines how the tube fits into an assembly.

It can affect:

Connector fit

Catheter assembly

Protective sleeves

Equipment ports

Insulation systems

Mechanical positioning

Wall Thickness

Wall thickness is calculated from the relationship between ID and OD, but manufacturing control is not simply a mathematical exercise.

For thin-wall PTFE tubing, even small dimensional changes can affect flexibility, mechanical strength and assembly.

Concentricity

A tube may have the correct average ID and OD but still have uneven wall thickness if the inner and outer profiles are not properly aligned.

Concentricity becomes particularly important in:

Medical liners

Catheter tubing

Micro tubing

Capillary tubing

Electrical insulation

Precision assemblies

Tolerance

The required tolerance depends on the application.

WITFLON's medical multi-lumen tubing documentation provides examples of dimensional tolerances in the ±0.03 mm to ±0.05 mm range for specified products, while the actual tolerance for a custom tube should be confirmed from the drawing and product dimensions. 

For custom production, WITFLON reviews the customer's dimensional requirements before quoting rather than applying one tolerance to every PTFE tube.

5. Multi-Lumen Tubing Manufacturing

Multi-lumen PTFE tubing places additional demands on tooling and dimensional control.

Instead of producing one central passage, the extrusion tooling creates several independent channels inside one tube profile.

WITFLON currently produces medical custom PTFE multi-lumen tubes and states that the structure can be customized according to customer requirements. Its product information includes different lumen configurations and dimensional options. (Hubei Zetai New Material Co., Ltd.)

The production specification may include:

• Number of lumens
• Lumen diameter
• Lumen position
• Overall OD
• Wall thickness
• Distance between lumens
• Length
• Cross-sectional geometry
• Dimensional tolerance

The challenge is not only forming multiple holes. The internal channels must remain in their intended positions while the outside diameter and wall dimensions stay within specification.

For medical applications, this becomes even more important because the tubing may be part of a catheter or minimally invasive device where available space is limited.

Multi-Lumen Production Flow

Drawing Review → Tooling Design → Material Preparation → Preforming → Multi-Lumen Extrusion → Sintering → Cooling → Dimensional Inspection → Cutting → Final Inspection

 

 

6. Heat Shrink Tubing Manufacturing

Heat shrink PTFE tubing is produced for applications where the tube must contract around another component after heating.

WITFLON's current product range includes PTFE heat shrink tubing and medical-grade PTFE/FEP/PFA Zebra heat shrink tubing. 

Production control focuses on the relationship between the tube before shrinking and the required final dimensions.

Important parameters include:

Initial ID

Recovered ID

Wall thickness

Shrink ratio

Length

Surface condition

Color or stripe requirements

Application temperature

Medical heat shrink tubing may be used as part of catheter and guidewire assemblies. Industrial versions can be used for insulation, protection and component covering.

For custom heat shrink projects, the customer should specify the component to be covered, the initial diameter, final recovered diameter, required wall thickness and the operating environment.

7. Corrugated PTFE Tubing Manufacturing

Corrugated and convoluted PTFE tubing is different from smooth-bore tubing because the tube wall is intentionally formed with repeated bends or waves.

The structure increases flexibility and allows the tube to accommodate movement within an assembly.

WITFLON's product range includes PTFE Convoluted Hose. 

Production control covers:

• Corrugation pitch
• Corrugation depth
• Tube ID
• Tube OD
• Wall thickness
• Bend radius
• Length
• End configuration

The final structure has to maintain a usable flow path while allowing the required movement.

Typical applications include:

• Chemical transfer
• Flexible connections
• Automotive systems
• Aerospace systems
• Equipment connections
• High-temperature fluid handling

The appropriate corrugation geometry depends on the required flexibility, pressure and installation space.

8. Braided PTFE Hose Manufacturing

A braided PTFE hose combines a PTFE inner tube with an external reinforcement layer.

WITFLON currently offers stainless-steel braided PTFE hose as part of its industrial PTFE product range. 

The PTFE liner provides the fluid-contact surface, while the braid contributes mechanical reinforcement.

The production sequence typically involves:

PTFE Inner Tube → Dimensional Inspection → Braiding → Assembly / End Processing → Inspection → Packaging

Important specifications include:

• Liner ID
• Liner OD
• Wall thickness
• Braid material
• Braid construction
• Working pressure
• Bend radius
• Hose length

End fitting requirements

For automotive, hydraulic and chemical applications, the hose specification should be selected according to the actual pressure, temperature, fluid and movement conditions rather than by diameter alone.

9. Medical PTFE Tubing Manufacturing

Medical PTFE tubing requires tighter control of the manufacturing environment, dimensions and product traceability.

WITFLON operates 2,000 m² of cleanroom space and has 12 medical-grade pipe production machines. The company also holds ISO 13485 certification and states that its medical PTFE tubing has undergone biocompatibility testing. 

Its medical product range includes:

• PTFE Precision Catheter
• PTFE Multi-Lumen Tube
• Etched PTFE Liner
• PTFE Zebra Heat Shrink Tubing
• PTFE Coated Zebra Guide Wire
• PTFE Zebra Guide Wire

Cleanroom

The production environment is controlled according to the requirements of applicable medical tubing projects.

The cleanroom capability is particularly relevant for catheter liners, thin-wall tubing and other components that become part of medical devices.

Process Control

Medical tubing production requires defined process parameters and controlled changes.

Important process points include:

• Material preparation
• Preforming
• Extrusion
• Sintering
• Cooling
• Dimensional inspection
• Surface inspection
• Packaging

Traceability

For medical OEM projects, production records and material information need to remain connected to the finished product.

Traceability helps identify:

• Material batch
• Production batch
• Inspection results
• Production date
• Product specification
• Customer order

Dimensional Inspection

Medical tubing may have small diameters, thin walls or multiple internal channels. Inspection therefore needs to cover more than the outside appearance.

Depending on the product, inspection may include:

• ID
• OD
• Wall thickness
• Concentricity
• Lumen position
• Lumen diameter
• Length
• Surface condition

10. Custom Tubing Production

Custom PTFE tubing starts with the customer's application rather than a standard catalogue size.

WITFLON's customized PTFE tube service supports adjustment of size, color, physical form and end treatment, with OEM/ODM production available. 

Custom Production Flow

Customer Drawing / Requirement

↓

Engineering Review

↓

Material Selection

↓

Tooling / Process Confirmation

↓

Prototype or Sample

↓

Sample Inspection

↓

Production

↓

Final Inspection

↓

Packaging

↓

Shipment

For quotation, the most useful information includes:

• ID
• OD
• Wall thickness
• Length
• Material
• Quantity
• Application
• Temperature
• Pressure
• Fluid or media
• Drawing
• Certification requirement

For multi-lumen tubing, add the number of lumens, lumen dimensions and cross-sectional drawing.

For heat shrink tubing, provide the starting dimension, required recovery dimension and shrink ratio.

For medical tubing, provide the intended device application, dimensional tolerances, cleanroom requirements and applicable regulatory requirements.

The objective is to establish the production specification before manufacturing begins. That reduces repeated sampling and avoids quoting a product based on incomplete dimensions.

11. In-Process Inspection

Inspection should not begin only after the tubing has been packed.

WITFLON states that its production and testing system includes six manufacturing and testing processes, with full inspection of batches before products leave the factory. (Hubei Zetai New Material Co., Ltd.)

During production, inspection can focus on the dimensions and physical condition that are most likely to affect the final application.

Typical In-Process Checks

Material

Confirm the specified resin or material grade.

Extrusion

Monitor the produced tube profile and surface condition.

ID

Check that the internal passage remains within specification.

OD

Confirm the outside dimension.

Wall Thickness

Check the relationship between ID and OD and identify uneven wall sections.

Concentricity

Evaluate whether the inner and outer profiles remain properly aligned.

Length

Verify cut length against the order specification.

Surface

Check for visible defects, contamination, deformation or irregularities.

For multi-lumen tubing, inspection also needs to address the internal geometry.

For medical tubing, inspection requirements should be defined according to the customer's drawing and quality agreement.

12. Final Inspection

Final inspection determines whether the completed batch meets the agreed specification before shipment.

WITFLON states that it carries out full inspection of batches before products leave the factory and provides inspection reports and certificates of conformity before shipment. 

Depending on the product, the final inspection may include:

Dimensional Inspection

• ID
• OD
• Wall thickness
• Length
• Concentricity
• Lumen dimensions

Appearance Inspection

• Surface condition
• Color
• Marking
• Cutting quality
• Deformation

Structural Inspection

• For special products:
• Multi-lumen configuration
• Corrugation
• Heat shrink structure
• Braided construction
• End treatment

Documentation

• For applicable orders:
• Inspection report
• Certificate of conformity
• Material information
• Batch information
• Customer-specific documentation

The inspection criteria should be based on the product drawing, technical agreement and applicable quality requirements rather than on a generic checklist.

13. Packaging & Shipment

PTFE tubing can be easily damaged by improper handling even though the material itself has excellent chemical resistance and temperature performance.

Packaging therefore needs to protect the tube from:

• Crushing
• Kinking
• Contamination
• Scratching
• Moisture
• Deformation during transport

WITFLON currently lists carton, pallet and wooden box packaging options and supports shipment by express, air and sea. 

Standard Packaging

Short tubing sections can be packed in cartons with appropriate internal protection.

Long Tubing

Long or coiled products require packaging that prevents excessive bending and crushing during transportation.

Medical Tubing

Medical products require packaging arrangements appropriate to their cleanliness and application requirements.

Export Shipment

Packaging is selected according to:

• Tube dimensions
• Product quantity
• Product structure
• Transportation method
• Destination
• Customer requirements

Before shipment, the finished products are checked against the order and packed according to the agreed shipping method.

From PTFE Resin to Finished Tubing

The complete manufacturing route can be summarized as:

PTFE Resin

↓

Material Inspection

↓

Conditioning / Preparation

↓

Preforming

↓

Extrusion

↓

Sintering

↓

Cooling

↓

Sizing

↓

Cutting / Forming

↓

In-Process Inspection

↓

Final Inspection

↓

Packaging

↓

Shipment

For standard tubing, this process is relatively straightforward. For medical, multi-lumen, heat shrink, corrugated or other custom structures, additional tooling, forming and inspection steps are introduced according to the product drawing.

WITFLON's manufacturing system is structured around this difference. The company operates standard and custom production lines, maintains dedicated medical tubing equipment and has cleanroom capacity for medical-grade production. Its published production capacity is 120 tons per month, with 26 standard lines and 15 custom lines.

Why Manufacturing Control Matters in PTFE Tubing

A PTFE tube can meet its nominal OD and still fail an application if the ID is inconsistent, the wall thickness varies excessively, the tube is not sufficiently concentric, or the internal structure does not match the drawing.

For this reason, WITFLON's manufacturing approach should be evaluated from the complete production chain:

Material → Preform → Extrusion → Sintering → Cooling → Dimension → Inspection → Packaging

For standard industrial tubing, this provides a controlled route to repeatable production. For OEM projects, the same manufacturing system can be adapted around customer drawings and application requirements. For medical tubing, cleanroom production, dedicated equipment, ISO 13485 quality management and dimensional inspection become additional parts of the production process.