Micro-Abrasive Blasting for PEEK Implants

Reduce Cleaning Time up to 75%

Today's medical device manufacturers are well-familiar with micromolding of precision (high- tolerance) parts - and all the problems associated with it. From the production of catheter tips to surgical device handles to surgical stents, clean manufacturing equipment is paramount.

Keeping micro-cavities in production molds clean (as well as cleaning the small, deep, complex geometry of micro tools) is a critical concern when manufacturing very high tolerance medical device parts. In addition, cleaning the clamping devices (used during the fabrication process) and removing parting line flash (deflashing) or material burrs (deburring) from final products are equally significant manufacturing issues.

Cold Jet precision dry ice blast cleaning has been shown to cut cleaning time by up to 75% in the precision and micro mold industries, as well as significantly reducing replacement tooling costs and product scrap rates while increasing quality output.

Unlike micro-sandblasting (a common technique used for removing buildup from clamps holding parts in place during manufacture) dry ice blast cleaning does not damage or destroy the clamps - eliminating high tooling replacement costs. Dry ice blast cleaning also requires no secondary waste cleanup from grit media or solvent use, and dry ice blasting systems generally eliminate the need to disassemble tooling during cleaning. All of these savings contribute to not only reduced cleaning costs, but also decreased overall downtime and reduced product scrap rates.

Source (Company: Cold Jet)

Not Approved - Micro-Abrasive Blasting for PEEK Implants

Norman Noble Inc.’s micro-abrasive blasting equipment can be used to deburr PEEK implants. Though PEEK’s biocompatibility and chemical resistant nature make it an ideal choice for medical implants, it creates challenges to the manufacturing process. Machining typically generates burrs that are cumbersome to remove manually.

Micro-abrasive blasting can be used to eliminate this laborious process. The fine abrasive stream quickly strips off the burs without damaging the delicate features machined into the parts. A soft abrasive, like sodium bicarbonate, has the cutting effectiveness required to deburr the parts without cutting or burning the surface.

Source (Company: Comco Inc.)