Originally Published EMDM May/June 2002
MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT
Crimper automates stent manufacturing
Industry is calling for enhanced automation features in stent-manufacturing equipment, says James Kasprzyk, global marketing director at Machine Solutions Inc. (Flagstaff, AZ, USA), a supplier of stent-crimping and catheter-balloon-folding equipment. The firm has addressed that demand with the Series 1000 stent-crimping machine, adds Kasprzyk, which it introduced to the world market during MEDTEC in Stuttgart, Germany.
Integrating advanced process monitoring and automation features, the unit allows users to create unique file structures for different size combinations that can be easily recalled. A load cell displays the force applied to the activation arms while using the mechanical stops. Other novel features include a vision assistance system to aid in precisely positioning the stent between catheter marker bands, an encoder for continuous monitoring of crimp diameters, and a laser micrometer that provides crimp profile measurements as the stent retracts.
Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer
