Submicron accuracy in stent manufacturing

Today’s technological advancements usually fall into one or more of three categories: more features, faster, and/or smaller. Medical devices are not immune to rapid technological change and, in fact, are pushing the envelope, as it has become extremely important to improve time to market, throughput, and tolerances. An interesting example is the manufacture of stents, where manufacturing tolerances have actually reached the submicron level. In addition, because these devices will be inserted into human arteries, they must be free of grooves and burrs and also must be completely hygienic.