Implanting Success

Laser Tube Cutting
The Sigma Laser Tube Cutter gas assist fine laser cutting system, ideal for precision cutting of stainless steels (300 and 400 series, 17-4, 17-7), MP35N (cobalt-chrome steel alloy), and Nitinol, finds frequent use in the medical device industries. The Sigma Laser Tube Cutter features high-speed direct drive stages that maximize throughput. Multi-axis options allow users to customize the tube cutter according to the cutting application for both on- and off-axis cut geometries. A user-friendly interface, with intuitive icons and customizable options, provides easy navigation and programming for either program editing or execution.

Miyachi Unitek
Monrovia, CA
miyachiunitek.com

Digital Laser Scanner
The LC15Dx accuracy comes close to the accuracy expected when using a CMM and tactile probe, achieving a probing accuracy of 2.5µm (0.0001") and a multi-stylus test accuracy of 6µm (0.00024") in tests comparable to EN/10360-2 and -5. A unique thermal stabilizer inside the scanner body eliminates the uncertainty and delay caused when scanning before it reaches operating temperature. Elimination of probe tip compensation errors is through use of non-contact triangulation between the laser source, workpiece, and CCD sensor to measure the surface of the workpiece directly.

Nikon Metrology
Brighton, MI
nikonmetrology.com

Portable All-Rounder for Field Balancing
With the SmartBalancer, the unbalance of rotors in assemblies can be accurately determined and corrected. In addition, without dismantling, easy checking and correction for static and dynamic unbalance is capable with rotors of any weight class and dimension, and speeds of 100rpm to 60,000rpm.

The SmartBalancer is a handy diagnostic system tailored to the requirements of field balancing in terms of range of functions and ease of operation. For the quantification and correct evaluation of machine condition, the overall vibration is measurable according to DIN ISO 10816. Tracking analysis is usable to identify critical machine speeds while bump tests can determine resonances.

Schenck Trebel Corp.
Deer Park, NY
schenck-usa.com

Finishing Pacemakers
The AccuFlo is the first micro-abrasive blaster to incorporate Simoom Technology – a redesigned modulator, aerodynamic tank, and PowderGate valve. The added flexibility and enhanced powder flow control allows for a wider range of applications with the unit. The aerodynamically-designed mixing chamber minimizes directional changes in the powder flow, enabling the AccuFlo to deliver smoother and more consistent micro-abrasive blasting. The AccuFlo PowderGate valve mechanism controls the on/off action of the abrasive, increasing responsiveness of the unit and reducing downtime.

Comco Inc.
Burbank, CA
comcoinc.com

Multi-Material 3D Printer
The Objet260 Connex is a compact addition to Objet’s family of multi-material 3D printers. Based on the company’s inkjet 3D printing technology, the Objet260 allows users to select from a large range of composite materials when building 3D models. In addition, the system can also print a model replica made of up to 14 individual materials in a single print run. The Objet260 Connex allows users to create prototypes containing distinct material elements, such as rigid walls with flexible, rubber-like joints, or models combining transparent and opaque parts.

Objet Ltd.
Billerica, MA
objet.com

Clear Polyimide Medical Tubing
Unlike traditional dark, amber polyimide, which has limited options for pigmenting, clear polyimide medical tubing allows for a wide range custom colored tubing options. The clear polyimide tubing offers properties suitable to specialized catheter application, including tensile strength of 17,000psi (117MPa) and flexural modulus of 550,000psi (3,792MPa). It also features resistance to wear, heat, radiation, and electrical arcing. Putnam produces polyimide tubing with wall thickness as low as 0.0005" (0.0127mm) and tolerances down to ±0.0002" (0.0050mm) for precision catheter lumens and shafts. The combination of property and processing versatility offers considerable advantages for a wide variety of specialty catheter applications from imaging diagnosis to ablation therapy.

Putnam Plastics Corp.
Dayville, CT
putnamplastics.com

Seating Screws Twice as Fast
Medical staff is very receptive to reducing surgery time, even by a few minutes, because they are reducing costs, potential complications, and fatigue among surgical staff. The answer to that is the screw-driving technology involving a unique set of gears that offer continuous driving regardless of which way the handle turns, so the user can seat or unseat screws at twice the rate of manual or ratcheting drivers. Originally created for home-improvement work, the medical-grade double-drive screwdriver is applicable in any surgery environment where manual screw driving is required, such as spine, orthopedic, cranial maxillofacial, trauma, and sports medicine procedures.

Double Drive Medical Inc.
Fife, WA
doubledrivemedical.com