Core wire, often referred to as extrusion wire, plays a critical role in the production of medical tubing. Used to create the hollow channel within the tube, this fine wire acts as a placeholder during extrusion processes. Though traditional core wire is made from materials such as copper or silver-clad copper, ELASTICORE® from Loos and Company Medical Technologies Division is made from stainless steel that mimics the elongation qualities of copper — without the unwanted flakes. Used to create tubes for a wide range of applications, this versatile material helps make guide wire devices, medicine delivery tools, and other medical instruments possible.

How Medical Extrusion Wire Works:
Medical tubing is typically produced by extruding malleable polymer around core wire. The wire acts as a mandrel, preserving an open channel inside the tube. Once the tubing material has been applied, the core wire is then elongated for removal. Elongation reduces the core wire’s overall diameter and allows it to slide easily out of its sheath. Though this process may sound complex, it is made more efficient with the help of ELASTICORE® from Loos and Company Medical Technologies Division.

The ELASTICORE® Difference:
ELASTICORE® offers the same functionality as traditional silver clad copper or tin clad copper core wire, without all the drawbacks. Unlike the aforementioned materials that leave flakes behind on finished products, ELASTICORE®’s stainless steel composition removes cleanly without contamination. It still exceeds the 30% elongation required in most extrusion applications while providing sufficient friction during the actual extrusion process, so you don’t have to sacrifice effectiveness for cleanliness.

Physical Properties of ELASTICORE® Include:
Materials: 300 series stainless steel
Diameters: 0.006” to 0.100”
Surface Finish: Bright or Matte
Elongation: 40%-50%
Tensile Strength: 100 to 120 kPSI

Visit our core wire webpage for additional information about the benefits of ELASTICORE®. There you can find our latest White Paper comparing the performance of ELASTICORE® against silver-clad copper. For additional questions and inquiries, do not hesitate to contact our knowledgeable sales team directly at sales@loosco.com.