TE Connectivity introduces automated 3D printing process to speed catheter manufacturing
TE Connectivity has introduced a new automated 3D printing process for catheter shafts, replacing manual assembly to accelerate development and improve consistency.
- 2026
What Happened
TE Connectivity, a global leader in connectors and sensors, has launched a new automated 3D printing process to manufacture catheter shafts at its PROPELUS Prototype Center in Galway, Ireland. The process applies polymer jacket sections directly onto catheter shafts during production, replacing a higher-cost, primarily manual assembly method commonly used across the industry. The resulting shafts have the same mechanical properties, materials, and aesthetics as those made traditionally, but with quicker and more consistent production.
- Automated 3D printing applies polymer sections directly
- Manual assembly, higher cost
- Faster development, improved consistency, lower cost
“This work reflects TE’s continued focus on advancing manufacturing innovation to help our customers develop increasingly sophisticated minimally invasive medical devices. We believe additive manufacturing technologies have the potential to expand design possibilities, accelerate development and support the future of catheter manufacturing.”
“This process, along with complementary disruptive processes in development, will result in a paradigm shift in catheter manufacturing for our customers. It has the potential to significantly reduce product costs, simplify supply chains and have a positive environmental impact.”
Why this matters
The innovation could reduce production costs and simplify supply chains for catheter manufacturers, potentially lowering medical device prices and enabling more advanced minimally invasive procedures. The process also supports faster design iterations and new catheter architectures not feasible with conventional methods.
Terms in This Story
- Catheter
- A thin tube inserted into the body for medical procedures such as draining fluids or delivering medications.
- Additive manufacturing
- A process of building objects layer by layer, also known as 3D printing.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.