When a medical device requires tubing, choosing the right product is rarely as simple as selecting a standard size from a catalog. Medical device OEMs often have specific requirements for dimensions, flexibility, connections, operating conditions, material properties, and production consistency.

That is why many medical equipment manufacturers look for a custom silicone tubing manufacturer that can produce tubing according to their engineering specifications rather than forcing an existing standard product into the device design.

Whether the tubing is used for fluid transfer, air handling, laboratory equipment, diagnostic systems, pumps, or other medical equipment, the selection process should begin with the application and the finished device requirements.

So, how do medical device OEMs choose custom silicone tubing for their products?

The answer comes down to understanding the application, defining the tubing specifications, evaluating manufacturing capabilities, and selecting a supplier capable of supporting the project from prototype through production.

Why Do Medical Device OEMs Need Custom Silicone Tubing?

Standard silicone tubing can be suitable for many applications, but medical devices frequently have design constraints that make standard dimensions impractical.

For example, an OEM may need tubing with a specific:

• Inside diameter (ID)

• Outside diameter (OD)

• Wall thickness

• Length

• Dimensional tolerance

• Flexibility

• Connection configuration

• Material specification

• Surface finish

• Packaging format

A tube that is slightly too large may not fit within a compact enclosure. A tube with an unsuitable wall thickness may not provide the desired flexibility. A standard length may also create unnecessary waste during assembly.

Custom silicone tubing allows OEMs to specify the tubing around the medical device rather than redesigning the device around an available tube.

This becomes particularly valuable for OEMs developing proprietary medical equipment, laboratory instruments, diagnostic systems, and specialized devices where repeatability and dimensional control are important.

What Should Medical Device OEMs Consider When Selecting Silicone Tubing?

There is no single silicone tube specification that works for every medical application. The correct choice depends on how the tubing will be used and what conditions it will experience.

Here are the key factors OEM engineering teams should evaluate.

1. Inside Diameter and Outside Diameter

The inside diameter determines the available flow path, while the outside diameter affects how the tubing fits into the surrounding assembly.

OEMs should determine the required ID and OD based on:

• Required flow characteristics

• Mating components

• Connectors and fittings

• Available installation space

• Clamps and retaining components

• Routing requirements

For tubing that connects to precision components, dimensional consistency can be especially important.

A custom silicone tubing supplier should be able to work with the OEM’s required dimensions and tolerances rather than simply providing the closest standard size.

2. Wall Thickness

Wall thickness is another important specification.

Changing the wall thickness can influence the tubing’s flexibility, handling characteristics, dimensional stability, and suitability for the intended application.

Instead of asking only, “What silicone tubing size do I need?”, OEM engineers should consider:

What wall thickness provides the required performance while still fitting the device design?

The answer depends on the application and operating conditions.

3. Flexibility and Bend Requirements

Medical devices often contain tubing routed through compact spaces.

The tubing may need to bend around components, pass through channels, or connect two components located at different angles.

Before choosing a product, consider:

• How tightly must the tubing bend?

• Will it be bent repeatedly?

• Does the device contain moving components?

• Is there limited installation space?

• Does the tube need to retain its shape?

• How will the tube be secured?

The objective is not necessarily to select the softest tubing available. The goal is to achieve the appropriate combination of flexibility, dimensional stability, and application performance.

4. Operating Temperature

OEMs should identify the temperature conditions the tubing will experience throughout its expected service life.

Consider:

• Normal operating temperature

• Minimum temperature

• Maximum temperature

• Short-term temperature exposure

• Cleaning or processing temperatures

• Storage conditions

Temperature requirements should be communicated to the silicone tubing manufacturer during the quotation and design stage.

5. Pressure, Vacuum, and Fluid Conditions

If the tubing is being used to transport liquids or gases, the manufacturer needs to understand the operating environment.

Important information can include:

• Internal pressure

• Vacuum conditions

• Flow requirements

• Fluid or gas being transferred

• Exposure duration

• Temperature of the media

• Frequency of operation

A silicone tube should not be selected based solely on dimensions when the application involves demanding pressure, vacuum, or fluid-handling conditions.

6. Chemical and Media Compatibility

What will flow through the tubing?

This is one of the most important questions a medical device OEM should answer before selecting a material.

The application may involve water, air, gases, cleaning agents, process fluids, pharmaceutical solutions, or other substances.

OEMs should provide the manufacturer with information about the media and operating conditions so that material compatibility can be evaluated appropriately.

How Does Custom Silicone Tubing Differ From Standard Tubing?

The biggest difference is that custom tubing can be designed and manufactured around specific customer requirements.

This does not mean custom tubing is always necessary. If a standard tube meets all application requirements, it may be appropriate.

However, when a medical device requires non-standard dimensions or specific integration requirements, custom manufacturing can offer greater design flexibility.

Step-by-Step: How Should an OEM Source Custom Silicone Tubing?

A structured sourcing process can help medical device manufacturers avoid unnecessary delays.

Step 1: Define the Application

Start by explaining what the tubing does inside the device.

Is it transporting fluid? Handling air or gas? Connecting components? Protecting another component? Supporting a pumping or diagnostic system?

The manufacturer needs to understand the purpose of the tubing before recommending a manufacturing approach.

Step 2: Establish the Dimensions

Document:

• ID

• OD

• Wall thickness

• Length

• Tolerances

• Bend requirements

• Connection dimensions

An engineering drawing is particularly useful.

Step 3: Document Operating Conditions

Provide details about:

• Temperature

• Pressure or vacuum

• Fluid/media

• Expected service life

• Cleaning requirements

• Mechanical movement

Step 4: Identify Material and Compliance Requirements

Determine what material characteristics and documentation are required for the finished medical device and its intended use.

OEMs should communicate these requirements early so the manufacturer can determine whether the proposed material and manufacturing process are appropriate.

Step 5: Provide a Drawing or Sample

A drawing can communicate dimensions and tolerances clearly.

If the OEM is replacing an existing tube, providing a physical sample can also help the manufacturer understand the required geometry.

Step 6: Discuss Prototype Quantities

If the product is still under development, tell the supplier how many pieces are required for prototypes, testing, and validation.

Prototype quantities can be very different from eventual production volumes.

Step 7: Plan for Production

Once the design is finalized, discuss expected annual or recurring quantities, packaging requirements, quality expectations, and supply requirements.

This helps ensure the tubing solution can transition from development into repeat manufacturing.

What Information Should You Include When Requesting a Quote?

A detailed RFQ makes it easier for a custom silicone tubing manufacturer to understand the project and prepare an accurate quotation.

Consider including:

The more complete the RFQ, the easier it is for the supplier to determine whether the proposed tubing can meet the application requirements.

Why Is Manufacturing Experience Important for Medical Device OEMs?

A medical device OEM is not simply purchasing a length of silicone.

The tubing becomes part of a larger engineered product, meaning manufacturing consistency can be important throughout the supply relationship.

OEMs should evaluate whether a prospective supplier can support:

• Custom extrusion

• Dimensional requirements

• Prototype development

• Repeat production

• Engineering drawings

• Physical samples

• Custom cut lengths

• Quality requirements

• Production scaling

• OEM supply programs

It is also useful to ask how the manufacturer manages changes between prototype and production.

A supplier that understands OEM development can help identify potential manufacturing issues earlier in the design process.

What Questions Should You Ask a Custom Silicone Tubing Manufacturer?

Before placing an order, medical device OEMs should consider asking:

Can you manufacture non-standard silicone tubing dimensions?

This determines whether the supplier can produce tubing around the device’s actual design.

Can you work from an engineering drawing or sample?

This is especially useful for replacement tubing and custom OEM development.

What dimensional tolerances can you maintain?

Ask about the tolerances relevant to ID, OD, wall thickness, and cut length.

Can you support prototypes as well as production quantities?

This can simplify supplier continuity during product development.

Can production quantities be scaled after the design is finalized?

Discuss expected volumes early, particularly for products moving toward commercialization.

What documentation and quality information can you provide?

The exact requirements will depend on the application and the OEM’s quality system, so these should be established before production.

Common Mistakes OEMs Make When Ordering Silicone Tubing

Even experienced engineering teams can encounter problems when tubing specifications are incomplete.

Common mistakes include:

• Providing only the tube diameter without wall thickness

• Not specifying dimensional tolerances

• Ignoring bend and routing requirements

• Failing to disclose operating temperature

• Not identifying the fluid or gas being transported

• Selecting tubing based solely on price

• Waiting until production to discuss documentation

• Assuming prototype tubing will automatically meet production requirements

• Choosing a standard tube when the assembly requires custom dimensions

A detailed specification at the beginning of the project can reduce unnecessary iterations.

When Should You Choose a Custom Silicone Tubing Manufacturer?

Custom manufacturing is worth considering when:

• Standard tubing does not fit the device

• Your design requires non-standard dimensions

• The tube must fit a specific connector or assembly

• You require defined dimensional tolerances

• The tubing must be supplied in specific cut lengths

• You are developing proprietary medical equipment

• Your OEM assembly requires repeatable tubing dimensions

• You need a supplier who can support prototype and production requirements

For straightforward applications, standard tubing may be sufficient. But when tubing becomes an important part of the device’s design, custom manufacturing can give engineers significantly more flexibility.

Why Work With Accuseal Rubber for Custom Silicone Tubing?

Choosing the right supplier is just as important as defining the right tubing specification.

Accuseal Rubber Inc. provides custom rubber and silicone manufacturing solutions for applications requiring engineered components and tubing.

For medical device OEM projects, customers can discuss their requirements with Accuseal Rubber and provide relevant drawings, samples, dimensions, application information, and quantity requirements.

Whether you are developing a prototype or sourcing tubing for an established product, providing detailed specifications allows the manufacturing team to better understand the project and determine an appropriate custom solution.

Request a Custom Silicone Tubing Quote

Need custom silicone tubing for a medical device, laboratory instrument, diagnostic system, or OEM assembly?

Instead of trying to adapt a standard tube to your equipment, discuss your requirements with Accuseal Rubber.

Send your tube dimensions, engineering drawing or sample, application details, operating conditions, and required quantity to request a quotation for your project.

Looking for a custom silicone tubing manufacturer in the USA? Contact Accuseal Rubber to discuss your application and request a quote.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Silicone Tubing for Medical Devices

What is custom silicone tubing for medical device OEMs?

Custom silicone tubing is tubing manufactured according to an OEM’s specific requirements, such as inside diameter, outside diameter, wall thickness, length, tolerances, material requirements, and application conditions.

How do I choose silicone tubing for a medical device?

Start by identifying the tubing’s function, required ID and OD, wall thickness, operating temperature, pressure or vacuum conditions, fluid or gas exposure, flexibility, connection requirements, and applicable material or documentation requirements.

Can a silicone tubing manufacturer make non-standard sizes?

Yes, custom silicone tubing manufacturers can produce tubing to customer-specific dimensions depending on the manufacturer’s capabilities and the project’s technical requirements.

What information do I need to request a custom silicone tubing quote?

Provide the application, ID, OD, wall thickness, length, tolerances, operating conditions, media, required quantity, and preferably an engineering drawing or physical sample.

Is custom silicone tubing suitable for medical device OEM applications?

Custom silicone tubing can be used in a variety of medical and healthcare equipment applications. The appropriate material, manufacturing process, and documentation requirements depend on the specific device and intended application.

Can OEMs order prototype quantities of custom silicone tubing?

Many custom tubing manufacturers can support prototype and development requirements. OEMs should discuss expected prototype quantities and future production volumes with the supplier early in the project.

What is the difference between standard and custom silicone tubing?

Standard tubing is manufactured in predetermined sizes and configurations, while custom tubing is produced around customer-specific dimensions and requirements.

How can I find a custom silicone tubing manufacturer in the USA?

Look for a manufacturer with experience in custom silicone extrusion, engineering specifications, prototype development, production manufacturing, dimensional requirements, and OEM supply. Requesting a quotation with your drawing or sample can help determine whether the supplier is suitable for your project.

Can Accuseal Rubber manufacture custom silicone tubing for OEM applications?

Accuseal Rubber works with customers seeking custom rubber and silicone solutions. OEMs can provide their application details, drawings, samples, dimensions, and quantity requirements to discuss a potential custom tubing project.

Final Takeaway

For medical device OEMs, choosing silicone tubing should begin with the application—not the catalog.

The right solution depends on the complete set of requirements, including dimensions, tolerances, flexibility, operating conditions, material considerations, connections, production quantities, and integration with the finished device.

When standard tubing cannot satisfy those requirements, working with an experienced custom silicone tubing manufacturer can give medical device engineers greater flexibility during product development and production.

If you are sourcing silicone tubing for a new medical device or looking for a custom replacement for an existing tube, provide your specifications and application details to Accuseal Rubber Inc. to start a conversation about your requirements.

Need custom silicone tubing for your medical device? Request a quote from Accuseal Rubber today.