Originally Published EMDM
October 2004
Technology News
Engineering Group Licenses Technique for Joining Nitinol and Stainless SteelNorbert Sparrow
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| A method for joining nitinol to stainless steel may reduce the cost of fabricating guidewires and associated devices. |
Because of its flexibility, nitinol is routinely used to fabricate guidewires and related devices. The material, however, carries a hefty price tag. Engineering organization EWI (Columbus, OH, USA) has developed a patent-pending technique to join nitinol with stainless steel and thus reduce the amount of nitinol needed in certain products. EWI test-marketed the technology at this spring’s MEDTEC trade show and conference in Stuttgart, Germany. Industry response was so encouraging that the firm has launched a full-scale licensing programme for device OEMs.
By using nitinol only at the very end of the guidewire where it is most beneficial, device manufacturers can achieve cost savings, according to EWI. The joining technology also paves the way for the design of more-reliable devices, adds the firm.
The device industry is often more reluctant than other sectors to partner with outside groups, says Dale Robinson, the organization’s director of commercial sales and marketing. “But market growth is spurring a need to expand R&D,” he says, “and outsourcing can be a good solution for many firms.”
EWI’s expertise in metallurgy and materials joining makes it an attractive research partner for international product developers, adds principal engineer Peter Hall.
Hall presented a paper on the benefits of the joining technology at MEDTEC. “Microjoining Technologies for Scale Up to Automated Manufacturing” is available from EWI for reference.
EWI is the largest nonprofit engineering and technology organization in North America dedicated to welding and materials joining. A staff of 160 people provides research, consulting, and training services to member companies.
Copyright ©2004 European Medical Device Manufacturer
