How PQI & Sensofar Bridge Healthcare and Metrology
At PQI, we work with innovative manufacturers that require precision, reliability, and flexibility in their inspection processes. One of those partners is Sensofar, a leader of research and development within the field of non-contact surface metrology.
Polivalent Equipment
Sensofar equipment and technology offers inherent versatility, adapting easily to changing measurement requirements through advanced technology and numerous
automation tools. We believe this flexibility maximizes equipment’s long-term value.
Multiple Measuring Techniques in One System
These systems are equipped with multiple measuring technologies, providing a comprehensive characterization and enabling users to select the best technology based on their application needs. Ai focus variation, interferometry, and confocal technologies blend into a singular system that adjusts to changing scenarios.
Easy Transformation from R&D to QC
Sensofar manufactures high-end 3D surface metrology systems that offer tremendous flexibility and can easily transition from research and development (R&D) to quality control (QC). The equipment utilizes specific features which meet the needs of both R&D and QC, providing medical manufacturers with a versatile solution for various applications.
Roughness for Durability
During an implant’s service life, wear leads to the formation of debris that can harm patient health by causing osteolysis and inflammatory reactions. The wear behavior of hip implants, influenced by the human gait cycle, is closely linked to their surface condition.
Reducing wear and debris is crucial, particularly for younger, active patients with longer life expectancies. Research has shown that measuring the roughness of the top area of acetabular cups evaluates their wear characteristics and, thus, their durability.
The systems’ confocal technology is ideal for imaging local slopes and dense features. Sensofar used this confocal technology and employed it at a 20X magnification to gather clear surface analysis data.
Studies have identified three key roughness parameters that correlate machining parameters with wear behavior, indicating that higher values lead to greater wear volumes. These parameters include:
- Core roughness depth (Sk)
- Reduced valley height (Svk)
- Reduced peak height (Spk)
When measuring roughness on a tilted sample, the results can be useful if used qualitatively. An example of this would be comparing different implants measured in the same region.
However, these measurements are not quantitatively accurate for the following reasons.
- The effective measured area changes with the tilt. For example, at a 30-degree tilt, the imaged area is 13% smaller than at 0 degrees.
- The inclination of a sample significantly affects the measured roughness, as the sampling changes with different inclinations.
Coronary Stents
Our optical inspection equipment offers unparalleled capabilities, which allows medical manufacturers to detect defects and irregularities before they reach distribution. This is vital to their process as these issues could compromise the stent device’s performance or safety.
Sensofar also developed the [Q vix] system, which autonomously gathers information for the dimensional measurements and visual inspection of stents, enhancing efficiency and precision in the production process.
This advanced system captures high-resolution images to meticulously inspect both the outer and inner surfaces of each stent, promptly identifying any irregularities. By operating autonomously, the Q vix system significantly accelerates sample throughput on the production line, ensuring consistent quality control and reducing inspection time.
Helping Manufacturers Improve Quality and Efficiency
At PQI, we recognize the growing role advanced metrology plays in healthcare manufacturing. Utilizing Sensofar’s flexible systems allows for improved product quality and efficiency.
We can help manufacturers meet strict regulatory standards while delivering safer, more reliable medical devices.
To learn more about how Productivity Quality, Inc. can enhance your healthcare products’ quality, contact us today.