Medical and pharmaceutical equipment manufacturers need tubing that delivers consistent fluid flow, withstands repeated pumping cycles, and meets the demanding requirements of healthcare applications. Choosing the right tubing material and manufacturing partner can make a significant difference in equipment performance, reliability, and long-term operating costs.
Santoprene® TPV medical-grade tubing offers an attractive solution for applications requiring flexibility, elastic recovery, chemical resistance, and excellent resistance to repeated flexing. When combined with precision extrusion, it can help medical device manufacturers develop tubing tailored to their specific equipment and fluid-handling requirements.
At SantopSeal Corporation, we manufacture custom Santoprene® TPV tubing and USP VI medical-grade thermoplastic elastomer (TPE/TPV) extrusions to meet customer specifications. From precision microbore tubing with diameters starting at 0.3 mm to tubing with a 1-inch diameter and larger, depending on the design and material requirements, we work with customers to develop custom tubing solutions for demanding applications.
Whether you are developing a peristaltic pump, laboratory instrument, pharmaceutical processing system, or medical device, SantopSeal can help you explore the right material, dimensions, and extrusion configuration for your project.
What Is Santoprene® TPV Medical-Grade Tubing?
Santoprene® TPV is a thermoplastic vulcanizate manufactured by Celanese. It combines the elastic characteristics of rubber with the processing advantages of thermoplastics.
Medical-grade Santoprene® TPV is designed for applications that require flexibility, reliable sealing, durability, and specific material compliance characteristics. Unlike conventional thermoset rubber, TPV can be processed using thermoplastic manufacturing techniques, offering advantages in production efficiency and material reprocessing.
Santoprene® TPV medical grades are used in a variety of healthcare applications, including:
- Peristaltic pump tubing
- Medical equipment and fluid-handling systems
- Pharmaceutical and laboratory equipment
- Medical device seals, gaskets, and diaphragms
- Drug delivery components and selected syringe applications
The suitability of a specific grade depends on the intended application, fluid compatibility, exposure conditions, and applicable regulatory requirements.
At SantopSeal, a custom medical-grade tubing manufacturer, we manufacture custom tubing using Santoprene® TPV grades from Celanese, helping customers translate material performance requirements into practical tubing designs.
Precision Custom Santoprene® Tubing From 0.3 mm to 1 Inch and Beyond
Tubing dimensions can directly influence flow rate, pump performance, pressure drop, flexibility, and the overall functionality of medical equipment. For this reason, selecting the right tubing manufacturer is just as important as choosing the right polymer.
SantopSeal specializes in custom tubing dimensions, including microbore tubing starting at 0.3 mm and larger sizes extending to 1 inch or beyond, subject to the required design and manufacturing specifications.
Our custom Santoprene® tubing extrusion capabilities support projects requiring precise dimensional control and application-specific tubing configurations.
Microbore Medical Tubing
Microbore tubing is used in applications where compact dimensions and controlled fluid delivery are important. Small tubing dimensions can be especially demanding because even minor variations in the inner diameter or wall thickness may influence flow characteristics.
Potential applications include:
- Compact medical and laboratory instruments
- Precision fluid-transfer assemblies
- Small-scale pumping and dosing equipment
- Specialized diagnostic and analytical equipment
For microbore applications, manufacturers should specify the required inner diameter, outer diameter, wall thickness, dimensional tolerances, and fluid-flow requirements.
Standard and Large-Diameter Medical Tubing
Larger tubing may be needed for equipment requiring higher flow capacity, specialized fluid transfer, or compatibility with particular pump heads and connectors.
SantopSeal works with customers on custom tubing designs ranging from small-diameter profiles to larger tubing configurations, including 1-inch diameters and beyond where technically feasible.
Every application is different. Actual achievable dimensions and tolerances depend on the selected Santoprene® grade, tubing geometry, tooling, and extrusion process. Contact our team through the SantopSeal contact page to discuss your drawings and dimensional requirements.
Why Choose Santoprene® TPV for Peristaltic Pump Tubing?
Peristaltic pumps move fluids by repeatedly compressing flexible tubing against a pump housing or roller mechanism. Because the tubing experiences repeated deformation, the material must maintain its elasticity and resist fatigue throughout its intended service life.
Santoprene® TPV is particularly relevant to this application because of its flex-fatigue resistance, elastic recovery, and ability to retain its shape during repeated compression.
Learn more about Santoprene® peristaltic pump tubing manufactured by SantopSeal.
- Excellent Flex-Fatigue Resistance
Peristaltic pump tubing undergoes repeated compression and relaxation during operation. Over time, unsuitable materials can lose elasticity, wear, or fail.
Santoprene® TPV is designed to withstand repeated flexing, helping tubing retain its performance during cyclic pumping. Appropriate material selection and tubing dimensions can contribute to longer service intervals and reduced maintenance requirements.
- Consistent Fluid Delivery
Tubing elasticity and dimensional consistency influence how a peristaltic pump performs.
Santoprene® TPV’s elastic recovery and resistance to deformation can help support consistent fluid delivery when the material, tubing dimensions, and pump design are properly matched.
For manufacturers developing precision pumping systems, dimensional consistency is especially important when specifying tubing for repeatable flow performance.
- Resistance to Kinking and Shape Deformation
Tubing that kinks or fails to recover its original shape can interfere with fluid flow and equipment operation.
Santoprene® TPV offers flexibility and elastic recovery that can help tubing resist kinking and retain its shape under appropriate operating conditions.
The actual performance depends on the tubing’s wall thickness, bend radius, operating pressure, temperature, and installation geometry.
- Chemical Resistance for Demanding Fluid-Handling Applications
Medical and pharmaceutical equipment may encounter cleaning agents, disinfectants, process fluids, and other chemicals.
Celanese identifies chemical resistance as an important benefit of its Santoprene® TPV medical grades, including resistance to certain healthcare-related fluids such as isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and bleach.
However, chemical compatibility varies by grade, chemical concentration, temperature, exposure duration, and application. Always validate compatibility with the actual fluid and operating conditions before selecting a tubing material.
- Potential for Improved Pump Service Life
Tubing replacement and equipment downtime can add to the operating costs of peristaltic pumping systems.
The flex-fatigue resistance and elastic recovery of Santoprene® TPV can help extend tubing service life in appropriately designed applications. Actual service life depends on pump speed, compression settings, fluid properties, temperature, and operating cycles.
For OEMs, evaluating the complete tubing-and-pump system is essential to achieving reliable long-term performance.
Santoprene® TPV vs. Silicone, PVC, and Traditional Rubber Tubing
There is no single tubing material that is best for every medical application. The right choice depends on the required flexibility, chemical compatibility, sterilization method, dimensional requirements, regulatory documentation, and overall cost.
| Property | Santoprene® TPV | Silicone | Flexible PVC | Traditional rubber |
| Elastic recovery | Grade and design dependent; suitable grades offer good recovery | Generally excellent | Formulation dependent | Formulation dependent |
| Repeated flexing | High flex-fatigue resistance in suitable grades | Often excellent | Grade dependent | Grade dependent |
| Chemical resistance | Good against many compatible fluids | Chemical specific | Chemical specific | Chemical specific |
| Thermoplastic processing | Yes | Conventional silicone generally uses different processing methods | Yes | Conventional thermoset rubber generally requires curing |
| Reprocessing manufacturing scrap | Potentially recyclable and reprocessable, subject to material and process conditions | Material and process dependent | Often recyclable in suitable streams | Often more difficult to reprocess |
| Medical compliance | Specific MED grades offer relevant material compliance documentation | Depends on grade | Depends on formulation | Depends on grade |
Santoprene® TPV may be a strong candidate when manufacturers want rubber-like flexibility combined with thermoplastic processing advantages. Silicone may be preferred for certain high-temperature or specialized medical applications, while PVC and conventional rubber may be appropriate for other designs.
The best material should be selected through application-specific testing rather than a general comparison alone.
To discuss material and dimensional requirements, explore SantopSeal’s medical-grade tubing solutions.
Medical-Grade Santoprene® TPV: Material Compliance Matters
Medical tubing selection requires more than mechanical performance. Manufacturers must also evaluate biocompatibility, chemical exposure, sterilization, extractables and leachables, and the requirements of the finished medical device.
Celanese lists USP Class VI and relevant ISO 10993 testing or compliance information for specified Santoprene® TPV medical grades. Its medical-grade materials documentation also addresses FDA Drug Master File support.
These distinctions are important:
- USP Class VI: A material testing classification; it does not independently approve a finished medical device for every intended use.
- ISO 10993: A series of biological evaluation standards. The applicable tests depend on the type and duration of patient contact and the intended use.
- FDA requirements: The finished device manufacturer remains responsible for determining and demonstrating applicable regulatory compliance.
- Sterilization compatibility: Must be confirmed for the specific grade, tubing construction, and sterilization cycle.
Santoprene® TPV medical grades are available for applications requiring specific medical-material qualifications. The grade’s current technical data and compliance documentation should be reviewed before material approval.
For more information, visit the Celanese Santoprene® TPV Medical Grades page.
For custom tubing made from specified medical grades, visit SantopSeal’s medical-grade Santoprene® tubing page.
You can discuss your material and tubing requirements with SantopSeal’s medical tubing team.
Sterilization and Temperature Considerations
Medical tubing may need to withstand steam, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or other sterilization methods, depending on the intended application.
Celanese identifies steam and gamma sterilization compatibility for its Santoprene® TPV peristaltic pump tubing solution. The supplied product literature also describes a broad material temperature capability.
These claims must be assessed at the specific grade and finished-product level. Sterilization can affect dimensions, mechanical properties, appearance, and long-term performance. Repeated sterilization cycles may produce different results from a single cycle.
Before finalizing your tubing specification, confirm:
- The selected material grade and its applicable technical documentation
- Sterilization method and number of cycles
- Operating and cleaning temperatures
- Fluid and chemical compatibility
- Dimensional stability following sterilization
- Required product validation and regulatory documentation
SantopSeal can work with customers to discuss material and extrusion requirements for their intended operating conditions. Contact our team to discuss a medical tubing project.
Custom Medical Tubing Manufacturing at SantopSeal Corporation
Choosing a supplier that understands both material properties and precision extrusion can help simplify product development.
SantopSeal Corporation manufactures custom TPE and TPV tubing, including medical-grade Santoprene® tubing, based on customer requirements. We support applications requiring specific dimensions, tubing profiles, and material characteristics.
Our capabilities are relevant to medical device OEMs, pump manufacturers, laboratory equipment companies, and other organizations developing fluid-handling products.
What We Can Help You Specify
Custom diameters and wall thicknesses
Discuss microbore tubing starting at 0.3 mm, conventional tubing sizes, and larger configurations up to 1 inch or beyond where feasible. Explore our custom Santoprene® tubing extrusion services.
Material selection
Evaluate suitable Santoprene® TPV medical grades according to hardness, flexibility, mechanical properties, and intended application. Learn about our medical-grade Santoprene® tubing options.
Precision extrusion
Define the required inner diameter, outer diameter, wall thickness, and tolerances for your equipment.
Application-specific development
Discuss peristaltic pump tubing, medical fluid-transfer systems, laboratory instruments, and specialized tubing requirements. Visit our page for Santoprene® peristaltic pump tubing.
Custom manufacturing discussions
Share a technical drawing, prototype, sample, or written specification to help establish the feasibility of your tubing design.
Final tolerances, material availability, qualification requirements, and production quantities should be confirmed with SantopSeal before ordering.
Applications for Custom Santoprene® Medical Tubing
Santoprene® TPV tubing may be considered for a range of fluid-handling and medical equipment applications, subject to suitability and validation.
Examples include:
- Peristaltic pump tubing for selected medical and laboratory systems
- Pharmaceutical and bioprocess equipment
- Laboratory fluid-transfer equipment
- Medical device tubing assemblies
- Specialized diagnostic and analytical instruments
- Custom fluid-handling systems requiring flexible tubing
For applications involving direct patient contact, drug delivery, or critical pharmaceutical fluids, additional evaluation may be required to demonstrate the suitability of the finished tubing.
Learn more about medical-grade tubing manufactured by SantopSeal and custom peristaltic pump tubing solutions.
How to Order Custom Santoprene® Medical-Grade Tubing
To obtain a quotation or discuss a new tubing project, provide as much of the following information as possible:
- Material: Preferred Santoprene® TPV grade, if known.
- Dimensions: Inner diameter, outer diameter, wall thickness, and tolerances.
- Application: Peristaltic pump, medical equipment, laboratory instrument, or another use.
- Operating conditions: Fluid type, temperature, pressure, and pumping speed.
- Compliance requirements: Applicable USP, ISO 10993, sterilization, and other documentation needs.
- Quantity: Prototype requirements, sample quantities, and expected production volumes.
If you do not have a finalized specification, start with your application requirements and available drawings. These details can help determine whether a proposed tubing design is technically feasible.
Contact SantopSeal Corporation to request a custom tubing quote.
Why Partner With SantopSeal Corporation?
When sourcing custom medical-grade tubing, you need more than a material supplier. You need a manufacturing partner that can discuss your dimensions, application, and performance requirements.
SantopSeal offers:
- Custom Santoprene® TPV medical tubing
- Microbore tubing options starting at 0.3 mm
- Larger custom tubing configurations, including 1 inch and beyond where feasible
- Tubing solutions for peristaltic pumps
- Material and dimensional discussions tailored to your application
- Custom Santoprene® tubing extrusion based on customer specifications
Our goal is to help customers identify practical tubing solutions that balance performance, manufacturability, and application requirements.
Request a Quote for Santoprene® Medical-Grade Tubing
Are you developing a medical device, peristaltic pump, pharmaceutical system, or laboratory instrument that requires flexible, precision-manufactured tubing?
SantopSeal Corporation can help you explore custom Santoprene® TPV tubing solutions tailored to your application. Whether you need microbore tubing starting at 0.3 mm, larger tubing diameters, or a specialized extrusion profile, contact our team to discuss your requirements.
Share your drawing, target dimensions, material preference, and intended application to begin the conversation.
Contact SantopSeal Corporation
- Website: SantopSeal Corporation
- Medical-grade tubing: Custom Medical-Grade Santoprene® Tubing
- Peristaltic pump tubing: Santoprene® Peristaltic Pump Tubing
- Custom extrusion: Extruded Santoprene® Tubing
- Contact: Request a Quote or Discuss Your Project
- Phone: (412) 444-1888
- Email: info@santopseal.com
Looking for a custom medical tubing manufacturer? Contact SantopSeal to discuss your Santoprene® TPV tubing requirements and request a quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Santoprene® Medical Tubing
- What is Santoprene® medical-grade tubing?
Santoprene® medical-grade tubing is tubing manufactured using selected medical grades of Santoprene® TPV, a thermoplastic vulcanizate from Celanese. It can provide rubber-like flexibility, elastic recovery, and resistance to repeated flexing for suitable medical and fluid-handling applications.
Explore SantopSeal’s medical-grade Santoprene® tubing.
- Is Santoprene® TPV suitable for peristaltic pump tubing?
Most of Santoprene® TPV medical grades are designed for peristaltic pump tubing applications. Their flex-fatigue resistance and elastic recovery can help maintain tubing performance through repeated compression cycles. Suitability depends on the specific grade, pump design, fluid, and operating conditions.
Learn more about Santoprene® peristaltic pump tubing.
- Does Santoprene® medical-grade tubing meet USP Class VI requirements?
Celanese identifies USP Class VI compliance for its specified Santoprene® TPV medical grades. Customers should obtain the relevant grade-specific documentation and confirm that the selected tubing meets the requirements of their finished application.
See the available medical-grade Santoprene® tubing options.
- Can SantopSeal manufacture custom microbore medical tubing?
SantopSeal accepts inquiries for custom tubing, including microbore designs starting at 0.3 mm. Actual feasibility depends on the specified diameter, wall thickness, material, tolerances, and manufacturing requirements. Contact SantopSeal with your drawing or specification to discuss your project.
Discuss custom tubing dimensions with SantopSeal.
- Can Santoprene® TPV tubing be sterilized?
Celanese identifies steam and gamma sterilization compatibility for its Santoprene® TPV peristaltic pump tubing solution. Compatibility should be verified for the selected grade, tubing dimensions, sterilization process, and required number of cycles.
- Is Santoprene® better than silicone medical tubing?
Neither material is universally better. Santoprene® TPV may offer advantages in flex-fatigue performance and thermoplastic processing, while silicone may be preferable for particular temperature, flexibility, or medical application requirements. The choice should be based on validated application needs.
- How do I get a quotation for custom Santoprene® tubing?
Contact SantopSeal Corporation at info@santopseal.com or call (412) 444-1888. Provide your tubing dimensions, material requirements, intended application, operating conditions, and estimated quantity to help the team assess your request.