Medical device contract manufacturer Norman Noble, Inc. today announced Noble S.T.E.A.L.T.H. (System To Enable Ablation Laser Technology Haz-Free), an exclusive, athermal laser machining process that represents an advancement of several magnitudes in medical device production. Noble S.T.E.A.L.T.H. makes it possible to produce next generation bioabsorbable scaffolds and Nitinol-based micro implant designs that could not previously be manufactured using current technologies.
Noble S.T.E.A.L.T.H. is an ultrashort pulse (USP) proprietary laser system developed by Norman Noble Inc., to create highly precise features in any material, such as bioabsorbable polymers, shape memory metals (Nitinol) and other exotic alloys without producing any heat affected zone (HAZ). It can reduce, and in some cases, eliminate costly deburring and post-processing steps, which increases product quality and yield to previously unattainable levels and leaves the machined geometry intact. Accordingly, the Noble S.T.E.A.L.T.H. produces the narrowest laser-cut kerfs in the industry at kerf widths of .00045 inches in Nitinol and .00025 inches in bioabsorbable materials.
In addition to enabling production of new designs, Noble S.T.E.A.L.T.H. provides increased flexibility within existing designs, which can then be manufactured three times faster than they can be with current laser machining technologies.
"Noble S.T.E.A.L.T.H. is the most significant advancement for implantable medical device manufacturing since Norman Noble first introduced an athermal machining process to the industry over 4 years ago," said Chris Noble, vice president and chief operating officer of Norman Noble, Inc. "The science for medical implants, particularly bioabsorbable scaffolds and Nitinol-based micro implants is in a state of rapid development. Our customers had a growing need for HAZ-free laser technology to enable machining of their newest medtech implant designs. By producing higher quality cut surfaces at higher yields in one-third the production time, Noble S.T.E.A.L.T.H. goes beyond that need. It's a leapfrog in technology."
About Norman Noble, Inc.
Established 68 years ago, Norman Noble, Inc. remains a family-owned and -operated company offering the most advanced processes for ultra-precision micromachining. The company is known for its exceptional ability to achieve subminiature precision beyond the reach of most manufacturers. Norman Noble, Inc. is a supplier to most of the largest OEM's and well-known names in the medical device industry.
Norman Noble manufactures medical devices and implants to customer specifications in compliance with FDA regulations and ISO 9001 and ISO 13485. State-of-the-art processes include laser machining & welding, Swiss turning & milling, conventional and wire EDM, high-speed 7-axis contour milling, Nitinol shape setting and clean room assembly & packaging. Prototype services are available in separate and fully dedicated process development centers.
