Precision forming techniques are pivotal in the production of today’s complex medical devices, particularly when it comes to manufacturing reinforcement coils used in catheters, stents, and guidewires. These extremely small yet highly precise components are formed into intricate designs which must simultaneously provide structural integrity, flexibility, and kink resistance – all of which are essential for successful medical applications.
Manufacturers of custom reinforcement coils now leverage advanced materials, highly specialized forming techniques, and meticulous quality assurance processes to meet the exacting specifications required in the modern healthcare industry. Enter HyTech Spring & Machine.
At HyTech, our core services focus on miniature wire forming and custom spring coiling for the above and other precision medical devices. Our process demands high-tech manufacturing methods, advanced knowledge of materials science, and a rigorous quality control system certified to ISO 9001:2015, AS9100:D, and IATF 16949:2016 standards.
High-Precision Manufacturing Processes
Manufacturers employ several precision wire forming techniques to achieve the necessary geometries and tolerances for medical reinforcement coils:
- CNC Coiling – High-precision CNC deflection coiling machines to produce consistent coil geometries with tight tolerances.
- Laser Cutting and Micro-Machining – Allows for intricate patterns and controlled flexibility within the reinforcement structure. Learn more about laser cutting and laser ablation for medical device applications.
- Heat Treatment and Shape-Setting – Critical for materials like nitinol, where phase transformation enhances performance characteristics and takes advantage of the material’s exceptional shape memory.
Material Optimization for Performance and Reliability
The choice of materials significantly impacts the performance and reliability of reinforcement coils and related medical components. HyTech applies decades of combined expertise in materials science to ensure the optimum material is used for the specific application at hand. Some of our commonly used materials include:
- Stainless Steel (e.g. 304, 316L) – Excellent mechanical strength and corrosion resistance for a wide range of applications. Typically less costly than more specialized alloys and exotic materials.
- Nitinol – Unique superelastic properties and biocompatibility, making it ideal for flexible and self-expanding medical devices. Learn more about the advantages of nitinol compared to conventional stainless steels.
- Platinum-Iridium Alloys – Used for radiopaque markers and high-strength spring applications.
- Cobalt-Chromium Alloys – Outstanding fatigue resistance and durability ensures reliable spring performance.
Meticulous Quality Control That Meets Medical Standards
Medical manufacturing today demands the highest level of quality and repeatability possible. Reinforcement coils are high-precision components that must meet exacting specifications to ensure performance, reliability, and patient comfort. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a medical manufacturer that is certified to meet these requirements.
HyTech is an ISO 9001:2015, AS9100:D and IATF 16949:2016 Certified U.S.-based contract manufacturer specializing in manufacturing of custom springs and wireform products, as well as precision machining solutions for a range of products.
Manufacturing High-Precision Medical Springs Since 1984
HyTech Spring & Machine is backed by more than 40 years of service as one of the industry’s leading medical spring manufacturing companies. We ensure superior quality and precision with every custom formed wire product, regardless of industry or application.