#10 - Optimizing extrusion tooling

State-of-the-art production equipment and processes hold extremely close machining tolerances when producing multi-lumen and multi-layer medical tubing. However, tool misalignment or maintenance issues can produce exaggerated impacts on the final product.

Equipment maintenance

Improperly maintained equipment can waste 10% to 20% of the material, which can run from 50% to 90% of product cost, since in extrusion processes materials costs are typically higher than labor costs. Tooling suppliers go to great lengths to maintain tips and dies to a determined specification, ensuring perfect concentricity and alignment. Proper maintenance keeps it that way.

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