Understanding Braid Patterns in MMBT Fine Wire Medical Braiders: Herringbone, Diamond, and Half-Load Explained

In the realm of advanced medical device manufacturing, precision and reliability are non-negotiable. One of the most critical steps in the production of flexible, steerable devices like catheters, stents, and guidewires is the application of a fine wire braid. These braids not only provide mechanical strength and torque transmission but also affect the device’s flexibility, kink resistance, and push ability.

MMBT fine wire medical braiders are engineered to meet the unique demands of the medical device industry, offering tight tolerances, programmable tension control, and consistent pitch. But the performance characteristics of the braid begin with something more fundamental: the braid pattern.

In this article, we’ll take a close look at the three most common braid patterns used in medical braiding — herringbone (regular), diamond, and half-load — and explore how each one impacts the functionality and application of the final medical device.

Herringbone Braid Pattern (Regular)

The herringbone, also known as the regular braid pattern, is one of the most commonly used configurations in medical device braiding. This configuration runs at full capacity, full speed. Most popular pattern. One single wire goes under two cross wires then over two cross wires.

Characteristics:

• Alternating clockwise and counterclockwise carrier paths
• Symmetrical criss-crossing of wires at consistent angles
• Balanced distribution of tensile forces

Advantages:

• Excellent torque response and uniform radial strength
• Smooth profile that integrates well with polymer jackets
• Ideal for devices requiring precise steerability and push ability

Common Applications:

• Neurovascular catheters
• Cardiac ablation catheters
• Diagnostic guide catheters

MMBT braiders can be programmed to maintain consistent pitch and tension across extremely fine wires — often as thin as 0.001” — allowing for reliable reproduction of the herringbone structure across high volumes and tight tolerances.

Diamond Braid Pattern

The diamond braid pattern is characterized by a tighter braid angle, resulting in a denser wire structure and increased surface coverage. This configuration has two wires going under two cross wires then over two cross wires. This is typically used for catheters that need good rigidity, kink resistance. Least flexible, great radial force, least compression, high torque ability, high stiffness, and full coverage. This pattern runs at half speed. Horn gears turn twice per pick.

Characteristics:

• High braid angle (more parallel to the axis)
• Tighter, more closed geometry
• Higher number of crossings per unit length

Advantages:

• Greater hoop strength and kink resistance
• Enhanced EMI shielding when used with conductive wires
• Increased device rigidity, depending on wire material

Common Applications:

• Stent delivery systems
• Imaging catheters
• Introducers and sheaths

MMBT’s precise carrier synchronization and digital controls allow operators to produce diamond braids with exceptionally consistent coverage, even with ultra-fine wires and complex geometries.

Half-Load Braid Pattern

The half-load pattern reduces the number of active carriers, creating a braid with alternating gaps that improve flexibility without sacrificing structure. This configuration operates at 50% of the braider’s speed and number of carriers. One single wire goes under one cross wire and over one cross wire. This pattern balances the best characteristics of the Diamond and Herringbone patterns. Half-load provides great radial force and compression strength, toque ability, push ability along with good flexibility and kink resistance. This pattern runs at half speed. Horn gears turn twice per pick. This pattern is also the easiest to remove from a core.

Characteristics:

• Typically uses half the number of carriers (e.g., 8 instead of 16)
• Looser weave with intentional open spacing
• Variable pitch and coverage

Advantages:

• Increased flexibility and conformability
• Lower material usage
• Customizable balance between coverage and stiffness

Common Applications:

• Peripheral catheters
• Guidewires with segmented flexibility
• Devices where enhanced trackability is critical

Half-load braiding is particularly useful in hybrid constructs, where zones of differing flexibility are needed.

Choosing the Right Pattern for Your Device

The choice of braid pattern is never one-size-fits-all. Medical Device Manufacturers must consider multiple factors, including:

Torque transmission requirements

Kink resistance and hoop strength

Flexibility and navigation path

Wire material and size

Braid-to-jacket bonding properties

MMBT’s quiet fine wire braiding machines support customizable configurations, giving engineers the ability to prototype, test, and scale production with minimal changeover time.

Whether your application demands high torsional control, ultra-thin profiles, or segmental flexibility, understanding braid patterns is essential to manufacturing better medical devices.

Conclusion

As medical devices become more sophisticated and minimally invasive procedures more demanding, the braid structure within the device plays an increasingly pivotal role. The ability to control and tailor braid patterns — from herringbone to diamond to half-load — gives manufacturers a competitive edge in both performance and manufacturability.

With MMBT quiet fine wire medical braiders, device engineers gain access to the precision, consistency, and flexibility required to meet today’s evolving clinical challenges.