Case Studies
Wire Stripping for GuideWires
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MicroBlasting technology can be used to perform delicate cleaning without damage to the underlying part. Whether you need to strip coatings, remove residues, clean hot runner nozzles, our process is effective, streamlined and safe.
Guidewires
Coatings applied to guidewires enable them to move smoothly throughout the body. However, these smooth coatings are not conducive to bonding the wire to end components. This makes it necessary to remove small sections of the coatings to provide a suitable surface for bonding.
MicroBlasting is an efficient method to safely and effectively remove coatings with a sharp delineation.
How sharp is that delineation? <0.005″
Types of Guidewire
A wide range of guidewire size and materials can benefit from the MicroBlasting process.
Stainless steel or nitinol wire diameters typically range from 0.014″ to 0.035″. (The Ring Nozzle can accommodate wire up to 0.125″ in diameter) Guidewires of any length can be accommodated, whether they are standard (145 cm -190 cm) or exchange-length (260 cm – 400 cm).
Coatings which can effectively be removed include: PTFE, PVA, and PEG
MicroBlasting Method
Equipment: AccuFlo abrasive blaster, ProCenter Plus and RingNozzle
Abrasive: Sodium bicarbonate or wheat starch
Pressure: 80 psi
Orifice: 0.040″
Nozzle: Ring Nozzle with 5 x 0.030″
Configured with five Hi/Performance nozzles, the Ring Nozzle is designed to spread the abrasive flow uniformly over a circular cross-section for sharp delineation between the coated and uncoated regions.
Why MicroBlasting?
The selective cleaning process uses the abrasive qualities of MicroBlasting to carefully erode layers of unwanted material from a base substrate. The process takes advantage of the different physical properties of the two layers. By choosing a sharp soft abrasive, MicroBlasting cuts through the soft ductile coating without damaging the underlying wire. Additionally, MicroBlasting abrasives of choice (sodium bicarbonate or wheat starch) are easily cleaned and biocompatible.
Total Guidewire Solutions
Comco’s MicroBlasting systems provide solutions for manufacturers of guidewires. Several years ago, Comco partnered with Syneo expanding the capabilities for this application. Now that Comco has become a part of Medical Manufacturing Technologies, Inc., we can provide full service guidewire manufacturing solutions through its many brands, including Syneo, Glebar and Engineering By Design.
Applications Lab
Let our experts help find the right solution for your part. We know no two applications are the same. Our Technical Specialists manage sample-part testing and processing from start-to-finish. They actively collaborate with our Sales and Engineering Teams while remaining completely accessible to you throughout the process.
Questions about GuideWire Manufacturing?
Whether you’re just getting started with bringing your guidewire design to prototype, ready for full scale production or looking to improve your manufacturing process, contact me:
