Precision Tubing & Wire Delivered Fast: How Glenn Enterprises Keeps Catheter Manufacturing Moving
- Taylor Reed-MedTech Writer
- Oct 21
- 4 min read
In the medical device industry, speed, precision, and reliability define success. From prototype to production, every catheter and guidewire build relies on components that meet exacting standards — in both quality and availability. When lead times stretch or material properties vary, entire projects can stall.
At Glenn Enterprises, we understand what’s at stake. That’s why we’ve partnered with world-class manufacturers to deliver FEP heat shrink, etched PTFE liners, and 304V flat and round braid wire — all engineered for consistency and delivered fast, often within one week.
Our goal is simple: to help engineers and manufacturers keep projects on schedule without compromising performance or precision.
The Importance of Reliable Materials in Catheter Manufacturing
Catheter design requires the perfect balance of flexibility, torque response, and material integrity. The components that make up these complex devices must not only meet dimensional and mechanical specifications, but also bond seamlessly across different materials — from the liner to the reinforcement layer to the outer jacket.
When tubing and wire are inconsistent or delayed, engineers can’t build, test, or validate. That’s where Glenn Enterprises comes in. We help source and deliver components with predictable quality, traceable performance, and dependable turnaround — so development teams can focus on innovation, not supply chain uncertainty.
FEP Heat Shrink: Clear, Consistent, and Reliable
Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) heat shrink tubing is a cornerstone in catheter and guidewire manufacturing. Known for its optical clarity, lubricious surface, and thermal stability, FEP provides a smooth, uniform encapsulation over braids and liners — ensuring a consistent bond between layers.
At Glenn Enterprises, we offer FEP heat shrink in a broad range of diameters and wall thicknesses to support everything from micro-catheters to large-bore introducers.
Available Ranges:
Expanded ID: 0.050″ to ~0.350″
Recovered ID: 0.025″ to ~0.200″
Wall Thickness: 0.008″ to 0.020″ (size-dependent)
Shrink Ratios: 1.3:1 to 2:1
Cut Lengths: Up to 86″
FEP’s clarity makes visual inspection easier during production, and its consistent recovery profile supports repeatable processes during thermal bonding or encapsulation. Whether you’re sealing a reinforced shaft or bonding to a jacket layer, our FEP tubing ensures high performance with short lead times.
Etched PTFE Liners: The Low-Friction Foundation of Precision Catheters
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is the gold standard for catheter liners. Its exceptionally low coefficient of friction allows for smooth device tracking and deployment. But to achieve strong adhesion to outer materials like Pebax®, nylon, or polyimide, the PTFE surface must be properly etched.
Our etched PTFE liners provide that perfect interface — offering superior bond strength without compromising internal lubricity.
Typical Size Ranges:
0.001″ wall: ID 0.023″ to 0.080″
0.0015″ wall: ID 0.017″ to 0.110″
0.002″+ wall: ID 0.010″ to 0.140″
Cut Lengths: Up to 86″
Our etching process ensures uniform adhesion while maintaining a clean, smooth inner diameter for guidewire or device passage. These liners are optimized for next-generation catheter designs where wall thickness, trackability, and torque control are critical.
304V Stainless Steel Wire: Precision Reinforcement with Proven Strength
When it comes to torque transmission and shaft stability, wire selection is everything. Glenn Enterprises supplies medical-grade 304V stainless steel braid and coil wire for catheter reinforcement — engineered for consistency, cleanliness, and performance under stress.
We offer both flat and round wire configurations in a wide range of dimensions and tensile strengths to suit your design parameters.
Typical Dimensional Ranges:
Flat Wire: 0.0005″ × 0.0015″ to 0.0035″ × 0.010″
Round Wire: 0.00075″ to 0.003″ diameter
Tensile Strength: 150–425 ksi
Spools: Steeger or DIN (15 mm, 26 mm, 30 mm)
Footage: 2,000–5,000 ft per spool
Each lot is manufactured under tight process controls with excellent surface finish, ensuring uniform tension and repeatable braid patterns. Whether you’re reinforcing a diagnostic catheter or a torque-transmitting shaft, our 304V wire provides the mechanical stability and reliability your build demands.
Lead Times: Designed for Efficiency
We know that sourcing delays can slow your entire program. That’s why Glenn Enterprises maintains inventory and supplier coordination designed around speed and predictability.
In-stock materials: Lead times of one week or less
Custom runs: Typically ready in 2–3 weeks
Flexible quantities: From prototypes to production volumes
With our experience in medical component sourcing, we anticipate project requirements and help you plan inventory efficiently — minimizing downtime and maximizing throughput.
Beyond Tubing and Wire: A Complete Sourcing Partner
Glenn Enterprises is more than a supplier — we’re a sourcing partner. Over the past 15 years, we’ve built a network of highly specialized manufacturers, each offering unique capabilities in the medical device space.
From grinding and marker bands to molding, micro-machining, and assembly, we connect engineers directly to the right production partners — aligning capabilities, tolerances, and timelines to meet your specific needs.
Our mission is to simplify the sourcing process, enabling device teams to move faster, communicate clearly, and build smarter.
Why Glenn Enterprises
Since 2009, Glenn Enterprises has served as a trusted technical resource for engineers and buyers throughout the medical device industry. Our focus is on precision, partnership, and performance — representing best-in-class manufacturers whose expertise spans metals, polymers, and complete device assemblies.
When you work with Glenn Enterprises, you’re not just buying components. You’re gaining access to decades of engineering experience, material science insight, and sourcing strategy that supports your entire production lifecycle — from concept through commercialization.
Let’s Build Something Better, Together
If you’re developing the next generation of catheter or guidewire systems, Glenn Enterprises can help source the tubing, wire, and components that keep your build on schedule and within spec.
Explore our capabilities at Glenn Enterprises — or reach out directly to discuss your application, materials, or lead-time needs.
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