Lay-Flat Tubing

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Lay-Flat tubing was traditionally developed to meet the needs for ultra-thin walls in the lighting and roller industries but now has applications in many medical and industrial markets. Lay-Flat tubing is made from high performance polymers offering strength, lubricity, chemical inertness, and biocompatibility.

Lay-Flat tubing is tubing that is pressed flat and delivered spooled onto rolls or cut to length. Zeus Lay-Flat tubing provides a seamless flattened tubing and allows for extremely thin walls and flexibility.

Lay-Flat tubing has found its way into a variety of industries including the oil and gas, energy, medical, office equipment, and general manufacturing. For example, Lay-Flat tubing is widely known for its use in connection with a variety of roller types such as with laser printers, copiers, and fax machines to prevent ink residue build-up. This product is also used for protection of down-hole equipment in the petroleum exploration industry and as covering for specialty batteries.

We extrude our Lay-Flat tubing in multiple resins including FEP, PFA, PEEK, and PE. We can also extrude this tubing in PVDF, ETFE, and Nylon should you need a customized product. Depending on your choice of resin, Lay-Flat tubing is generally available in wall sizes ranging from 0.002″ (0.051 mm) to 0.008″ (0.203 mm) with inside diameter ranges from 0.25″ (6.35 mm) to 5″ (127 mm). Lay-Flat widths are generally available in sizes from 0.400″ (1.016 mm) to 7.75″ (196.85 mm) with heat shrink expansion ratios up to 2:1 when appropriate.

To estimate the size of Lay-Flat needed for your application, use the following equations:

  • Lay-Flat width = Lay-Flat diameter × 3.1416 × 0.5.

To determine what the diameter will be of the Lay-Flat tubing you are using:

  • Lay-Flat diameter = Lay-Flat width × 0.6366.

We specialize in made-to-order sizes developed for your unique application. Contact us or call toll-free in the US at 1-800-526-3842 or +1-803-268-9500 internationally to speak with a Zeus team member today and see how we can help you!

  • APPLICATIONS

    Composites – Zeus FEP Lay-Flat® heat shrink is routinely used in the lay-up and cure of shaped composites and specialized constructions. As virgin resin, FEP is an approved source for contact with composite fabrication.

    Covering and Component Protection – When our Lay-Flat is heat shrunk onto wires, cables, or mandrels, the polymer layer provides an impenetrable protective covering shielding your materials against contaminants.

    Down-Hole Equipment Protection – Lay-Flat tubing provides excellent protection when the covered components are exposed to environmental extremes such as in oil and gas exploration to well-water testing.

    Electrical – Our PEEK Lay-Flat tubing has been utilized as phase insulation for motor coil windings to minimize partial discharge.

    Replacement for Film and Tape Wrapping, Sealants – For aerospace, high-end automotive, and even wind power applications, FEP Lay-Flat® abolishes the need for labor-intensive operations like tape and film wrapping and application of sealants.

    Rollers – Lay-Flay is widely used as a film for prevention of ink residue build-up in laser printers, copiers, and fax machines; it is also particularly suited for similar use with pressure rollers, hot rollers, primary charge rollers (PCR), and fuser rollers.

  • KEY PROPERTIES

    Biocompatibility – In addition to their innate chemical resistance, many of the resins that our Lay-Flat tubing is made from are biocompatible. Check the specific resin properties on our website for your Lay-Flat tubing to select the right material for your biocompatibility needs.

    Chemical Inertness – Zeus Lay-Flat plastic tubing material is resistant to a broad spectrum of chemicals. Choosing the right resin for your application will further allow you to tailor the properties for your precise use.

    Lightweight – Zeus Lay-Flat tubing provides exceptional protection for covered components while contributing very little weight compared to other protective coverings. The light weight nature of the Lay-Flat tubing also makes it easy to manipulate.

    Lubricity – The resins we utilize to produce Lay-Flat tubing provide highly lubricious surfaces which are ideally suited to a variety of applications, particularly providing non-adherent surfaces for roller applications or for easy component placement of the covered components into their application location.

    Strength – Despite the small wall thicknesses, Zeus Lay-Flat tubing retains excellent strength traits for providing extended protection and longevity to your critical components.

    Thin-Walled – Because our Lay-Flat tubing can be produced with extremely thin walls, it is light weight while still providing its desirable benefits such as dielectric strength, chemical resistance, and protection from contaminants.

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