Norman Noble, Inc. is the only contract manufacturer to provide all elements of nitinol manufacturing: precision machining of NiTi, nitinol shape setting, electropolishing of NiTi and cleanroom assembly and packaging.

 

No one else can do all of this in one location. With single-source contract manufacturing, we can insure quality and precision throughout the production chain. Single-source production reduces the variables that affect quality and precision. Transferring process knowledge between suppliers is not necessary with single-source contract manufacturing.

What is Nitinol?  This nickel-titanium alloy is a “memory metal,” which can return to a designated shape when subjected to thermal stimulus. For instance, a linear nitinol wire can be “programmed” into shape at one temperature (Af temperature), then cooled. At the cooler temperature(Mf temperature), it will regain its linear form; when reheated, it will “remember” and return to its specified shape.

 

The remarkable properties of NiTinol make it extremely important for medical device manufacturing. Devices such as stents can be implanted into arteries where, upon reaching body temperature, they will expand to their programmed shape. The ability to implant such devices with minimally invasive techniques can only be accomplished with nitinol products.

 

Capabilities  Norman Noble, Inc. offers unmatched expertise in the contract manufacturing of precision products. We are recognized as one of the leading providers of medical device machining and micro precision machining of high-tech products. Our Nitinol product manufacturing is one of the advanced capabilities that give us unique expertise in the industry.

Our nitinol product manufacturing capabilities begin with pre-production engineering assessments, specification and procurement of base metal (if necessary), production process R&D, and process routing. With each manufacturing phase (micro machining, shape setting, electropolishing) our process and quality controls insure the ultra-precision of each part produced. Finally, our cleanroom provides the purest environment for assembly and packaging of finished parts and components.

 

Applications  In addition to its “memory,” characteristics of nitinol are superb corrosion resistance and excellent biocompatibility. These features, along with its properties of elasticity and force delivery, make it eminently suitable for medical device manufacturing and biomedical applications:

Vascular stents Orthopedic anchors Medical guide wires Medical guide pins

Root canal files Bendable surgical tools Arch wires for braces

 

The shape memory type of nitinol is generally used for implants, due to its thermal requirements for regaining its set shape.

 

The superelastic type of nitinol is generally used for commercial products, such as:

 

Structural damping elements Electrical connectors Aircraft de-icers Solar collectors

Clamps Eyeglass frames Coffee pot thermostats

 

Exploring new ways to use this remarkable metal will undoubtedly result in major advances for medical, commercial, aerospace, military and other applications.