Acid-Free Process Removes Oxide from NiTi Wire

Recently introduced nickel-titanium wire does not rely on Hf acid solutions, which can make the product brittle, or costly mechanical polishing for oxide removal. Moreover, the exclusive one-step process results in a remarkably smooth and shiny surface, according to Johnson Matthey (Royston, Herts, UK).

“Aesthetics are very important in a surgical environment,” says marketing manager Stuart Bestrom. This technique produces results that rival mechanical polishing, but it does so in a very efficient manner, he adds. “We achieve higher efficiencies and capacity with this process and we eliminate postprocessing steps. It’s faster and more efficient, so it actually brings down processing costs,” says Bestrom.

To remove oxide from the wire, though, most of Johnson Matthey’s competitors favour an acid strip process that uses a toxic Hf solution, adds Joseph Kain, Nitinol technical specialist at Johnson Matthey. “Not only does this acid-etch process cause surface variability and/or premature wire fatigue, but it also generates toxic byproducts,” he adds. Consequently, the company claims that this oxide removal process supports corporate sustainability efforts.

“As a company, our goal has always been to develop cleaner processes,” adds Bestrom. ”But that is not enough: innovations have to be customer-driven and make economic sense,” he adds. Industry, it seems, has reached its verdict on this product: Johnson Matthey is planning to double capacity for NitiBrite wire in the coming months.

The wire is available in 0.020 to 0.040 in. diam continuous spooled lengths. The supplier machines, draws, rolls, and forms nickel-titanium, platinum, and specialty metals and alloys to custom specifications at manufacturing facilities in Europe and the United States.

Tags: Breaking News, Metal Fabrication