Material as thin as a drinking straw and as flexible as a latex tube?

In summary, the artist is looking for a cross between a plastic drinking straw and latex tubing to fill thin fabric channels with beads. The problem is that when a soft flexible tube is bent it tends to collapse, pinch and close the tube. Some combination of wire spring and flexible tube should solve the problem.
  • #36
The OD of the thin wall brass tubing might be able to fit into the fabric channel and still have an ID large enough to pass the balls and the connected flexible tubing then providing for an ease of loading of the balls.
Go to the below site to see the ranges of diameters and lengths available:
https://www.grainger.com/category/p..._D_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!317451745875!b!g!
 
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  • #37
There's a surprising range of Teflon / PTFE tubing sizes available on eg Amazon, intended to feed 3D printing filament. Although pricey, it is fairly stiff, and may be bought with a kit of connectors. You may need to apply mild suction to load with beads, then a little air-pressure to dispense. A modest aquarium pump may suffice...Um, I have no idea what material is used for 'Intermittent Self Catheterisation' aka 'Enlarged Prostate Stretch', but its combination when 'fresh' of stiffness, mild flexibility and surprising reluctance to squash or kink may approach your need. Downside, each sterile, one-use device becomes remarkably, intractably stiff when the initial lube dries off...
 
<h2>1. What is the material made of?</h2><p>The material is typically made of a polymer, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, which are both lightweight and flexible materials.</p><h2>2. How thin is the material?</h2><p>The material is typically as thin as a drinking straw, which is approximately 0.25 millimeters in diameter. However, the exact thickness may vary depending on the specific type of polymer used.</p><h2>3. What makes the material so flexible?</h2><p>The material's flexibility is due to its molecular structure, which allows it to bend and stretch without breaking. Additionally, the thinness of the material also contributes to its flexibility.</p><h2>4. What are the potential applications for this material?</h2><p>This material has a wide range of potential applications, including medical devices such as catheters and stents, flexible electronics, and packaging materials. It can also be used in construction, as a lightweight and flexible alternative to traditional building materials.</p><h2>5. Is the material environmentally friendly?</h2><p>It depends on the specific type of polymer used. Some polymers, such as polyethylene, can be recycled, while others may not be biodegradable. It is important to consider the environmental impact of the material when choosing its application and disposal methods.</p>

1. What is the material made of?

The material is typically made of a polymer, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, which are both lightweight and flexible materials.

2. How thin is the material?

The material is typically as thin as a drinking straw, which is approximately 0.25 millimeters in diameter. However, the exact thickness may vary depending on the specific type of polymer used.

3. What makes the material so flexible?

The material's flexibility is due to its molecular structure, which allows it to bend and stretch without breaking. Additionally, the thinness of the material also contributes to its flexibility.

4. What are the potential applications for this material?

This material has a wide range of potential applications, including medical devices such as catheters and stents, flexible electronics, and packaging materials. It can also be used in construction, as a lightweight and flexible alternative to traditional building materials.

5. Is the material environmentally friendly?

It depends on the specific type of polymer used. Some polymers, such as polyethylene, can be recycled, while others may not be biodegradable. It is important to consider the environmental impact of the material when choosing its application and disposal methods.

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