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, and chemical inertness.

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 with thin walls and high 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 various roller types, such as laser printers, copiers, and fax machines, to prevent ink residue build-up. This product is also used to protect down-hole equipment in the petroleum exploration industry and as a 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 curing of shaped composites and specialized constructions. As virgin resin, FEP is an approved source for contact with composite fabrication.

    Component Protection – When our Lay-Flat™ is heat shrunk onto wires, cables, or mandrels, the polymer layer provides a protective covering, helping to shield 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 oil and gas exploration and well-water testing.

    Electric Motors – 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™ eliminates the need for labor-intensive operations like tape and film wrapping and application of sealants.

    Rollers – Lay-Flat™ is widely used as a film for the 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.

    Chemical Inertness – Zeus Lay-Flat™ tubing 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 lightweight 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 that are ideally suited to a variety of applications.

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

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

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