Nitinol Processing

Laser cutting

Using advanced laser technology, GTI ensures precision manufacturing of Nitinol components. Nitinol laser cutting allows for the intricate and delicate designs needed in medical devices. The precision and accuracy of laser manufacturing are essential for producing components that meet the rigorous standards of the medical industry.

Laser welding
Laser welding is another critical process GTI offers for Nitinol devices. Laser welding of Nitinol requires specific expertise due to the alloy’s unique characteristics. Our laser welding capabilities allow for smooth joining of Nitinol parts, ensuring structural integrity without minimal compromising the material’s properties, such as flexibility and shape memory. This process is essential in creating durable, reliable medical devices.

Electropolishing & surface treatments
Surface finish is a vital aspect of any medical device. GTI provides electropolishing and other surface treatments that enhance the biocompatibility and corrosion resistance of materials such as Nitinol, Stainless steel, Titanium and others.

Electropolishing removes surface imperfections, ensuring smooth finishes critical for applications such as stents, where surface quality impacts performance. In addition to electropolishing, GTI offers a variety of surface treatments tailored to the specific needs of different devices and applications.

Shape setting & heat treatment
Shape setting is a key step in Nitinol processing. Nitinol’s shape memory property allows it to return to its pre-determined shape when exposed to a specific temperature. GTI’s shape-setting capabilities ensure that Nitinol devices are precisely configured to meet the specific functional requirements of your medical applications. This process is used to “teach” the Nitinol components to assume their desired shape, even after significant deformation, making them ideal for applications requiring high flexibility and motion.

Austenite Finish Temperature (Af) testing and reporting
One of the key properties of Nitinol is its ability to undergo a phase transformation between martensite and austenite phases. The Austenite Finish temperature (Af) is crucial for determining the working range of Nitinol devices. GTI offers precise Af testing and detailed reporting, ensuring that devices meet the required performance characteristics. This testing is vital for applications where temperature control is critical, such as cardiovascular stents or neurovascular coils.

In-house design and manufacturing of mandrels and fixtures
GTI has the in-house capability to manufacture mandrels and fixtures used in the processing of Nitinol devices. This ensures tight control over the entire manufacturing process, from initial design to final production, and allows us to customize fixtures to meet the specific needs of each project.