Heat Treatment

Thermal treatment is a process for improving material properties of various metals used in medical products.

These treatments are designed to enhance qualities such as fatigue resistance, strength, hardness, and, in certain cases, to ensure that the material retains a desired shape. The goal is to optimize the mechanical and physical properties of the metal to meet the demanding requirements of the applications, where reliability and performance are paramount.
At GTI, we specialize in a wide range of thermal treatments for medical-grade metals. As part of our comprehensive capabilities and services, we offer treatments such as Annealing and H900 for materials such as Stainless steel (3XX series) and the PH (precipitation-hardening) family. These treatments help modify the microstructure of the metal, which in turn improves its strength, durability, and resistance to stress and fatigue, making it ideal for use in high-performance medical devices.

Additionally, GTI is equipped with the ability to design and perform Shape Setting thermal treatments for Nitinol. Shape Setting allows us to set the material in a predetermined shape that will be retained at specific temperatures, making it essential for applications that require the device to revert to a particular form after deformation. Part of our expertise includes the design and manufacturing of custom fixtures and tools to facilitate the shape formation process. These fixtures are essential in ensuring that the Nitinol is treated precisely to achieve the desired shape and functionality.

In some cases, we offer the thermal treatments in a vacuum environment. This is especially when there is a specific requirement to preserve the material’s properties and prevent oxidation or contamination during the heating process. At GTI, we have the capability to conduct thermal treatments in such a controlled atmosphere to ensure that the materials retain their integrity and meet all necessary specifications.