UTiFORM Cable Replacement: Maxform Hand-Formable Coax Explained
Posted by Tek-Stock LLC. on 10th Mar 2026
UTiFORM to Maxform Part Number Cross Reference
Engineers searching for a UTiFORM replacement cable often need a quick way to identify modern equivalent part numbers. The UTiFORM hand-formable coax line was widely used in RF and microwave systems and is now represented by the Maxform hand-formable coax series from Thermax (Amphenol CIT).
The reference table below shows commonly specified UTiFORM part numbers and the corresponding Maxform part numbers used today.
Legend: XE = FEP jacket | S = Silver plated copper (SPC) center conductor
| Cable Diameter | Legacy UTiFORM Part Numbers | Maxform Part Numbers | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| .047" |
UT-047-FORM UT-047-FORM-F |
670-047 670-047XE |
Compact microwave assemblies and dense RF layouts |
| .085" (SPCW) |
UT-085-FORM UT-085-FORM-F |
670-086/50 670-086/50XE |
General RF routing and common microwave assemblies |
| .085" (SPC) |
UT-085C-FORM UT-085C-FORM-F |
670S-086/50 670S-086/50XE |
Non-magnetic center conductor applications |
| .141" |
UT-141-FORM UT-141-FORM-F UT-141C-FORM UT-141C-FORM-F |
670-141 670-141XE 670S-141 670S-141XE |
Higher power RF systems and lower microwave frequencies |
| .250" |
UT-250C-FORM UT-250C-FORM-F |
670-250 670-250XE |
High power RF systems and larger microwave installations |
Understanding the UTiFORM to Maxform Transition
For many years RF engineers specified hand-formable coaxial cable using the UTiFORM product line originally produced by Micro-Coax. These cables became widely used in microwave and RF systems where the electrical performance of semi-rigid coax was required but easier routing and installation were desirable.
Following product consolidation within Amphenol CIT, the UTiFORM platform transitioned to the Maxform hand-formable coax series manufactured by Thermax. While the part numbering system changed, the cable construction and performance remain consistent with what engineers expect from hand-formable coax.
One difference between the two naming systems is the diameter designation. For example, the traditional .085 UTiFORM cable corresponds to the .086 diameter used in the Maxform series.
Maxform part numbers also contain information about cable construction. The prefix 670 identifies the Maxform series. The presence of an "S" indicates a silver plated copper (SPC) center conductor, while versions without the "S" use a silver plated copper weld (SPCW) center conductor. Part numbers ending in XE indicate the cable includes a blue FEP jacket.
Why Engineers Use Hand-Formable Coax
Hand-formable coax combines the electrical performance of semi-rigid coax with easier routing and installation. Unlike semi-rigid cable, it can be bent and shaped by hand without specialized forming tools.
This makes hand-formable coax particularly useful in RF prototypes, system development, and installations where cable routing may need to be adjusted during assembly.
Because of this balance of performance and flexibility, hand-formable coax is commonly used in aerospace electronics, radar systems, satellite communications equipment, and RF laboratory test environments.