Norman
Noble, Inc. is the only contract manufacturer
to provide all elements of nitinol manufacturing:
- Precision
machining of NiTi
- NiTi
shape setting
- Electropolishing
of NiTi
- 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.
Quality
Control
Norman
Noble, Inc. is registered to ISO 9001:2008
and ISO 13485:2003. In addition, our internal
quality controls are rigorously maintained
throughout production. Each of our NiTi production
processes (machining, shape setting, electropolishing)
is validated for quality. Customers should
validate part engineering and specifications
prior to production.
With
all phases of nitinol product manufacturing under one
roof, consistent quality can be maintained throughout
production through shipping.
Additional
Capabilities Offered by Norman Noble, Inc.
|
