These cables are commonly found in medical devices, ultrasound probes, catheters, endoscopy systems, oximetry systems, sensors and other high-reliability interconnect applications.
Processing micro-coax is challenging because each cable contains multiple material layers: a centre conductor, dielectric insulation, metallic shield or braid, and an outer polymer jacket. Each layer must be removed cleanly without damaging the layer beneath.
Some designs are under 0.1 mm OD. Manual stripping with a microscope and scalpel requires skilled operators and is difficult to scale.
Jacket, shield and dielectric must be removed in sequence without damaging the layer beneath or the conductor.
The metallic shield must be cut cleanly all around. Incomplete cuts lead to pulling, distortion and dielectric damage.
Markings, conductor damage or dielectric defects can affect performance in critical medical devices.
0.51 mm OD micro coaxial conductor of a shielded twisted pair
