Stainless-steel stents
For the Medical Sector
GPAINNOVA’s client is a Turkish company renowned for providing patient-centered solutions, featuring over one hundred internationally patented, high-quality medical devices that meet global standards. The company has garnered strong positive feedback from clinical trials, which aligns with its robust innovation objectives. Dedicated to advancing groundbreaking healthcare technologies, the company leverages its full capabilities to develop pioneering treatment solutions.
THE PROBLEM
The surface finishing of stents plays a critical role in their performance and effectiveness within the realm of medical devices. While traditional methods like liquid electropolishing have been widely utilized for achieving desired surface characteristics, they are not without their challenges.
This introduction delves into the problems associated with traditional liquid electropolishing techniques in the context of stent manufacturing, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to overcome these limitations and enhance the quality and consistency of stent surface finishes.
THE GOAL
GPAINNOVA’s customer entail the procurement of stainless-steel stents characterized by a notable degree of gloss, particularly within the inner regions. This necessitates a meticulous attention to surface finish and quality control measures to ensure uniformity and desired aesthetic attributes are met throughout the entirety of the stent’s construction. Meeting these requirements will likely involve precision manufacturing processes and specialized surface treatment techniques tailored to enhance the reflective properties of the stainless-steel surfaces, ultimately fulfilling the customer’s expectations for the desired glossiness.
THE SOLUTION
The machine recommended by the Process department was a DLyte 100PRO, a compact machinery especially recommended for a low to medium output.
GPAINNOVA made trial runs with different process time and parameters, including roughness measurements in different areas with a profilometer and microscope to detect any surface defect as pitting, spots or other side effects as orange peel.
The aim of the test is to define the ideal combination of processes to reach the technical specifications of the surface with the lowest total process time and cost. Technical specifications include shine polishing of the surface of stents keeping the original geometry.
TECHNICAL BENEFITS
01. Geometry and tolerance preservation & homogeneous results across the piece
02. Stable results among different batches within the electrolyte lifespan
03. Best-in-class concerning surface roughness
04. Longer lifespan for treated parts
05. Biocompatibility proved and nonanimal origin polishing compounds are used
OPERATIONAL BENEFITS
01. Reduced footprint
02. Time and cost reduction
03. Exposure of workers during process and maintenance
04. Handling and storage of media
05. No need for multistep processes
06. Easy waste management
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