A Study on Die Design Optimization for Microcatheter Extrusion Processes

Abstract

nterventional radiology and minimally invasive surgery both require a precisely shaped microcatheter. Microcatheters are manufactured using polymer extrusion processes with a die and puller. The manufacturing parameters and die geometry greatly influence the profile of the extrudate and designing dies using a trial-and-error process is expensive and requires a lot of time. Therefore, predicting the profile of the extrudate is important for manufacturing microcatheters. This study investigates the effects of die design and geometry on the profile of the extrudate. The profiles of the extrudate are predicted using ANSYS Polyflow with respect to the different die geometries. The outer and inner diameters and wall thickness of the predicted extrudate are compared to those of a target extrudate. The die swell of melt polymer and the effect of the pulling are both examined. Optimized die designs are suggested for manufacturing the target extrudate.