Catheter Manufacturer Air Pressure Control Solution

In a catheterization laboratory (cathlab), a pressure transducer converts blood pressure into an electrical signal for monitoring. In catheter manufacturing, however, pressure control refers to regulating internal air pressure during tubing extrusion. OLC's MicroAir regulators serve the manufacturing side, maintaining stable ultra-low air pressure to control tubing diameter and structure during the extrusion process.

In catheter tubing extrusion, ultra-low air pressure regulators like the OLC MicroAir series are the primary pressure control equipment. Available in single, dual, three-, and four-channel configurations, they accept manual control (30-turn knob), contact closure inputs from diameter gauges, or 0–10V analog/PLC signals. Stainless steel enclosures and Magnehelic gauges provide durable, readable pressure display on the extrusion line.

OLC MicroAir regulators cover pressure ranges from as low as 0–2 inches of water up to 0–5 psi, depending on the model. Ultra-low ranges (0–3 inches of water) are ideal for thin-wall catheter tubing, while higher ranges suit multi-lumen and automotive tubing applications. Each channel on multi-channel units can be configured for a different range.

Yes. MicroAir II models accept contact closure Air Up/Air Down inputs from O.D. diameter gauges or external controllers, while MicroAir IV models accept 0–10V analog input for direct PLC integration. This enables automated closed-loop diameter control during catheter extrusion, with high-speed switching capability (under 0.1 second response) on MicroAir IV units.

The number of channels required matches the number of lumens in your catheter tubing. OLC offers single-channel, dual-channel, 3-channel (MultiAir), and 4-channel (MultiAir) MicroAir units. Each channel operates independently with its own pressure range, display, and output option, making multi-channel units ideal for controlling each individual lumen in complex catheter profiles.

MicroAir IV high-speed units respond in less than 0.1 second — typically around 20 milliseconds for a 50% full-scale step change. This rapid response enables precise programmable switching for bump and taper catheter tubing applications where the internal air pressure must change quickly to alter the tubing's outside diameter at defined transition points.