Originally Published EMDM November
2004
Spotlight
Metal fabrication |
Implantable fixation components
A fully certified manufacturing company produces implantable fixation elements
for orthopaedic and trauma applications, along with the surgical instruments
necessary to apply them. All raw materials, such as titanium, stainless steel,
and alloyed aluminium, are imported and carry all necessary certifications.
The production facility is equipped with automatic threading machinery, an anodizing
unit, an electropolishing system, a vibration polishing machine, and a room
dedicated to manual polishing. Bone screws, bone plates, intramedullary
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Laser processing
A medical device contract manufacturer provides high-precision material-processing services based on laser technology. Expertise encompasses the laser cutting of a wide range of tube and sheet materials and various laser welding techniques. Stainless steel, nickel titanium, tantalum, ceramics, and plastics can be cut burr-free with dimensional tolerances of 0.005 mm, including into such tiny medical components as stents. Besides low-heat spot and seam welding, the company can weld thin foils and wires, thermally sensitive sensors, surgical instruments, and implantable devices. Fully customized processing and complete mechanical manufacturing capabilities are available. MeKo Laser Material Processing, Sarstedt, Germany.
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Spring components
Precision-engineered compression, tension, and torsion springs are suitable
for incorporation into cardiac monitoring systems, esophageal probes, and other
exploratory medical devices that require a source of torque to help manipulate
the device toward its goal. The manufacturer employs CNC spring-coiling and
-generating machines in an ISO 9002–certified facility. It designs products
in consultation with the client, as well as manufacturing them, and places a
strong emphasis on customer service. Harris Springs Ltd., Reading, UK.
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Metal tubular components
High-speed precision electrochemical cutters and grinders are used to produce
burr-free metal tubular components with high accuracy. Components may be cut
in lengths upward of 0.100 in. from fine-gauge tubing having an outside diameter
as small as 0.31 mm. Tube materials include all 300-series stainless steels,
titanium, Inconel, and other alloys. Metal fabrication processes employed in
addition to cutting and grinding include electrical-discharge machining, CNC
turning, and laser welding. The company performs swaging, bending, flaring,
tip reducing, and coiling as well, and is equipped for laser engraving, surface
finishing, wire bending and forming, and general machining. Popper &
Sons Inc., New Hyde Park, NY, USA.
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Metal casings
Medical device and implant casings are manufactured from stainless steel, aluminium,
titanium, and special nonferrous alloys. The specialty supplier can form and
deep-draw complex shapes that have an unblemished surface appearance, then punch
and machine the three-dimensional parts. Laser cutting, welding, and inscribing
are also applied as necessary. The casings are produced on modular production
lines that are suitable for both automated volume manufacturing and small pilot
runs. The manufacturer can provide design assistance. In addition, it performs
full assembly and thoroughly inspects the finished products under an ISO 9001:2000–certified
quality system. Matino Medical Devices GmbH & Co. KG, Berlin, Germany.
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Photochemical machining
Custom high-performance metal components that are very small and complex are
manufactured by means of such nonmechanical techniques as photochemical machining
(PCM) and electroforming. Fine metal screens and meshes produced by PCM typically
are accurate to ±10% of the thickness of the metal used, which is generally
1.5 mm down to 0.004 mm. Electroformed parts have typical tolerances of ±8
mm, with ±2 mm achievable in some cases. Screens have high aspect ratios
and can be given high-profile ribs for enhanced mechanical strength and rigidity.
The parts are usually produced from nickel, which may be subsequently plated,
and offer easy cleanability and a long operational life. Tecan Components
Ltd., Weymouth, Dorset, UK.
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Machined implants
Nonactive implantable components are available for the orthopaedic and dental sectors. Machined metal devices for use in trauma repair, bone replacement, and dental implants include cortex screws, cancellous screws, bone implant screws, cannulated screw systems, lag screws, ligament screws, pedicular screws, and facial and cranial screws. Other mechanical components produced are drill spacers, nail systems for fractures, and complete spinal systems. The components are supplied worldwide. Leghe Leggere Lavorato, Buccinasco (MI), Italy.
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Micromachining services
Contract UV laser micromachining services for a variety of applications range
from semiconductor wafer processing to biomedical and blue LED scribing. The
company’s core capabilities include expertise in processing materials at
UV wavelengths of 355, 351, 308, 266, 248, 193, and 157 nm. Applications include
microfluidics, LEDs, sensors, ink-jets, chip-scale packaging, device-scale packaging,
wire stripping, optic waveguides, and biosensors. Micromachining of plastics,
ceramics, hard dielectrics, glass, and metals is also available. The company
provides high-resolution marking and microlithography to 1-µm resolution.
JPSA Laser, Hollis, NH, USA.
Copyright ©2004 European Medical Device Manufacturer
