Originally Published MPMNMay 2004

INDUSTRY NEWS

Manufacturers Unite to Develop Ultrasmall Wire Components

MelodyLee

A joint venture combines the technologies and product expertise of two manufacturers. 
Point Technologies Inc. (Boulder, CO; www.pointtech.com)and Deringer-Ney Inc. (Bloomfield, CT; www.deringerney.com)have united forces to develop and produce ultrasmall precision wire components and assemblies. Using Deringer-Ney's fine wire, Point Technologies will electrochemically etch the components.

The companies are focusing on ultrasmall wires with measurements ranging from 2000th to 6000th of an inch. According to John O'Brien, vice president of Point Technologies, human hair is about 4000th of an inch. 

One main purpose of the treated wire is for application on the tips of guidewires, says O'Brien. "More specifically, it can be used where there are more contraptions on the guidewires, especially steerable wires. [Our product] will fit right into that and make a match for that need." 

The first project will be to produce sharpened coil wires. The coils can be put on the endsof monitoring devices that are screwed into the scalps of fetuses. Another application is in devices that manage cardiac rhythm, which use monitor leads usually made of noble metals, according to O'Brien. 

"[Deringer-Ney] will bring expertise that we don't have and vice versa," says O'Brien. "They are very large in the semiconductor and automotive industries and have the necessary capabilities to be a big player in the medical device industry." 

The partners are currently working on applications within the semiconductor industry. Developments for the medical industry are slated for the middle of thisyear.

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