The many unique benefits of stainless steel make it a powerful candidate in material selection. Precision stainless steel tubing is used in many applications including medical instruments, aerospace components or high performance machinery. It is selected by engineers for its exceptional performance, and used in critical environments where strength, corrosion resistance and durability are paramount — from raw material to the meticulous engineering of integrated components customized to meet the diverse needs of specific applications. Custom tube assembly for small diameter stainless steel tubing is used in many applications that often involve complex manufacturing processes to achieve a single, integrated component.

Figure 1: Precision stainless steel tubing is used in many applications including medical instruments, aerospace components or high performance machinery. Source: Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication Inc.

The selection of the assembly method directly influences the functionality of the end product. Factors to be considered are the specific application requirements, the need for disassembly or reassembly, the materials involved, design complexity and cost considerations. In the medical device industry, where precision, hygiene and reliability are paramount, careful selection and execution of these assembly methods are essential to ensure the safety and functionality of the final product. Additionally, strict quality control and testing procedures are often implemented to verify the integrity of the assembled components. Custom tube drawing and assembly of multiple parts to achieve a single component can be accomplished by various methods such as welding, threading and epoxy, and end forming. Each method offers a set of advantages, allowing engineers to select the most suitable technique for their application.

Welding is a common method for joining stainless steel tubes in medical device assemblies. Laser welding is a technique that can provide precise and controlled joining of stainless steel tubing. By focusing a concentrated laser beam on the joint area, it melts and fuses the tubing with minimal heat-affected zones, Figure 2: Threading involves the creation of threads on the ends of stainless steel tubes, allowing them to be screwed together with precision. Source: Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication Inc.ensuring a strong, hermetic seal ideal for applications where precision and cleanliness are essential, such as in medical devices or aerospace components. The creation of a strong durable, leak-proof connection ensures the reliability of critical components.

Threading involves the creation of threads on the ends of stainless steel tubes, allowing them to be screwed together with precision. This method is often used when disassembly or reassembly of components is necessary. This allows for convenient maintenance and adjustments to the application. Threaded connections can provide a secure and leak-proof joint when properly designed and manufactured.

Epoxy bonding is used when a permanent, adhesive-based connection is required between small diameter stainless steel tubes and other components or materials. Epoxy adhesives are chosen for their strength, durability and resistance to various environmental factors. Proper surface preparation and adhesive selection are critical to ensure a reliable bond.

Swaging is a process that reduces the diameter of one tube end to fit inside another tube. It’s often used to create tight and secure connections between small diameter stainless steel tubes, eliminating the need for additional fasteners or adhesives. This method is valuable in applications where space constraints and cleanliness are critical factors.

Customer specifications are significant in custom tube assemblies. They serve as the blueprint that guides the manufacturing process, ensuring the assembly meets the needs and requirements of the application. From dimensions and tolerances to material selection and finishing, they are all carefully considered and tailored to achieve a solution that meets or exceeds the standards of the customer’s expectation. The specifications often include details about how the tubing assembly needs to interface with other components or systems. Adhering to these specifications ensures compatibility and ease of integration, reducing the risk of errors or complications.

Prior to assembly, custom tube assemblies often require fabrication, involving processes like CNCFigure 3: Source: It is important to choose a supplier that has quality management certifications in place .Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication Inc. machining, cutting, bending and more. These processes are crucial for tailoring the tube to meet precise specifications of the assembly. Cutting the tube to specified lengths removes excess material, while machining allows for intricate modifications and the creation of unique designs. On the other hand, precision bending not only ensures the correct form, but also preserves the structural integrity of the tubing. Properly fabricated tubes form the foundation of the custom tube assembly.

It is also important to choose a supplier that has quality management certifications in place. ISO certifications play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of stainless steel tubing assemblies, making them indispensable for industries where precision, safety and consistency are paramount. These certifications not only assure product quality, but also instill confidence in clients and regulatory bodies, contributing to enhanced performance and reduced risks. ISO quality practices not only guarantee reliability of the tube assembly, but also enhance traceability and customer confidence.

Customization options and long lifespan reinforce stainless steel as the ideal choice for precision and durability in custom tube assemblies. The multitude of benefits offered by stainless steel not only enhance its quality and durability, but also contribute to its sustainability. The exceptional strength, corrosion resistance and longevity contribute to sustainability by minimizing the need for frequent replacements and reducing environmental impact through its long-lasting performance.

About Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication Inc.

Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication Inc. has been supplying stainless steel tubing and other metals to various industries since 1982, including ultra-high precision, cut-to-length tubing and bar for medical, aerospace and industrial applications. ISO 9001 and ISO 138485 quality management certifications have been in place since 1998. Visit the Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication Inc. website for more information.