Originally Published EMDM March/April 2002
TECHNOLOGY NEWS
CERAMICSX-ray Assemblies Feature Durable Seals
 |
| Filament support assemblies made from alumina ceramic and metal reduce the risk of vacuum leaks. |
Medical x-ray devices are expected to benefit from filament support assemblies supplied by a company with expertise in ceramic-to-metal joining and metal-injection moulding. Morgan Advanced Ceramics (MAC; München-Unterföhring, Germany) offers cathode, anode, getter, and filament support assemblies for x-ray applications that reportedly achieve superior reliability and durability using an innovative ceramic-to-metal seal.
The x-ray tube assemblies are constructed from a variety of metal components in conjunction with high-purity alumina (Al2O3) ceramic. "The ceramic-to-metal design allows for cost-competitive production via a consistent, repeatable manufacturing process," says David Bealka, business unit manager for medical products at MAC. "This design flexibility, combined with the availability of upper-level builds, produces components to the customers' specifications at a lower total cost."
The company's x-ray tube assemblies feature robust designs that reduce the risk of vacuum leaks and also offer excellent thermal shock resistance. "The superior electrical properties of the components allow for higher power and a better safety margin design," says Bealka.
MAC, formerly known as Alberox, reports that its ceramic-to-metal seal components are gaining precedence over glass-to-metal seals in the cathode-assembly market. The company, which has 13 locations worldwide, uses unique metallizing techniques—including braze alloy technology—to produce advanced ceramic solutions that are capable of operating in hostile environments. The company can custom manufacture x-ray components to meet individual customer specifications.
Bealka notes that MAC specializes in solving difficult application problems that involve extremes of temperature, pressure, operating environment, or geometry. "Unlike most other seal manufacturers, our manufacturing capability is completely vertically integrated," he says. "Manufacturing begins with raw ceramic powder and ends with completed hermetic seals. This complete capability also allows the company to supply both bare and metallized ceramics into select applications."
Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer
