What is OEM?

O.E.M is an acronym for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Cadence is a contract manufacturer of many types of products.  These custom solutions include life science, automotive, industrial, consumer, electronics, aerospace, and defense applications.

Are all OEM products custom-made?

No. We offer some standard products that are used in OEM applications.  Our specialty branded products are offered under the Cadence Science and Specialty Blades brands.

What is the minimum quantity for OEM products?

The minimum quantity is one. Depending upon your application and the setup time that is required, costs can vary significantly. Consult our OEM specialists for further information.

Does Cadence offer prototype services?

Yes. Cadence has a prototype department which provides design validation services and short delivery of prototype parts. We recommend that you consult with our engineers before finalizing any design to ensure the most cost-effective production.

Does Cadence have 510K for standard OEM products?

If you elect to use one of our standard products for your OEM application, most of our products are pre-amendment devices and do not require a 510K. However, note that you may be required to obtain a 510K for your final device.

What is a one-time engineering charge?

This is a non-recurring charge which covers engineering development, programming and materials.

Can I get my tooling once a job is finished?

Our company policy states that all tooling remain the property of Cadence.

I was told my design calls for special tubing. What is the minimum quantity I have to purchase?

Requirements for specialty drawn custom tubes vary. You should expect to purchase a minimum of 100 feet. In some cases, this minimum may be 500 feet. Our OEM specialists will provide you with a detailed quotation

What method does Cadence utilize to cut tubing?

The most common method is Electrochemical cutting. This method utilizes a process that 'melts' the tube to a desired length rather than abrasively cut it. The ECC method is precise and does not require secondary de-burring operations and thereby is also the most cost-effective way to produce cut-offs.

What is the tightest length tolerance you can hold?

From +/- 0.0001"

What is the shortest piece you can cut?

Length from 0.020"/0.25mm and up

What options do I have for internal ID finish?

Internal ID finish is measured in RMS or Ra values. Standard hypodermic tubing are manufactured with an OD finish of 8rms-12rms. Typical ID finish for standard tubing is 32rms-64rms. Smoother ID surface finish can be delivered in ranges of 16rms-32rms and 8rms-16rms (commonly referred to as 'smooth bore'). A process called 'micro-polishing' can also improve rms results by up to 50%. Expect extended delivery for tubing with ID finish of 16rms or better.

What is micropolishing?

Micropolishing is a proprietary process that is designed to improve internal surface finish of hypodermic tubing by up to 50%. A smooth bore tube drawn with a 16rms finish can be improved to 8rms with micropolishing.

Does Cadence provide passivation services?

Yes. All finished fabricated components are cleaned utilizing Cadence's advanced cleaning system which includes mild passivation. Passivation to other specifications (such as QQ-P-35C) can be performed upon request.

Do you offer electropolishing?

Yes. Electropolishing can be performed upon request.

My drawing was marked up with REF next to certain dimensions. What is that?

REF denotes 'reference'. Typically when our engineers feel that certain called out dimensions are unachievable, or could be challenging, we would prefer to designate them as REF dimensions, i.e, allowing fluctuation of the final results.

I was quoted a project on a 'best effort'. What does that mean?

Best-effort quotations denote a project that may require trial-and-error to produce. It is unclear from the design whether it is feasible to produce the part. Cadence is willing to experiment and find ways to manufacture it but it can only be done on a 'best effort basis', in other words, this is the best that can be produced given the design. Best effort production is final and non-returnable for any reason.

Does Cadence provide PTFE coating of the OD and ID?

Yes.  PTFE coating to add lubricity and minimize carry-over is provided for both OD and ID of hypodermic tubes. See below for size restrictions. It is highly recommended that when you specify PTFE coating, you also indicate the primary reason(s) for requiring the coating and the type of chemistries you expect to encounter. Some harsh chemicals tend to 'strip' the PTFE and may require different solutions such as our PSX/ceramic-like coating.

What is the smallest ID you can PTFE coat?

0.008"

What is the typical coating thickness for PTFE?

0.0005" approx.

What is PSX coating?

PSX is a specially formulated coating technology to Popper specifications. The coating is applied using vacuum deposition and thickness can be precisely controlled. PSX is offered in 3 varieties: PSX-H for hydrophobic applications, PSX-Ch for applications requiring ceramic-like barrier, and PSX-D for applications requiring the ultimate protection including DMSO.

What is the minimum bending radius for tubing?

Minimum bend radius is 2x tubing OD. The bend angle is 2 degree thru 180 degrees.

What is the OD range for flaring and maximum flare diameter?

Typical tubing size for flaring fabrication is 6G (0.202") to 23G (0.025"). Maximum flare diameter is 1.4 x OD.

What is swaging/tube tip reducing and what are its limitations?

Tip reduction or swaging reduces the OD and ID over a predetermined length. The ID is kept constant over the tip's length. A mathematical formula is used to calculate the effect on OD, ID and Wall during swaging. Ideal range for tip reducing is approximately up to 1.5" of reduction length.

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