Nitinol Microweld Assembly Service | Contract Micro-TIG Joining for Endovascular Components
<150 µm Fusion Zone Width — Every Weld, Every Lot
M4D LLC provides per-unit nitinol microweld assembly as a contract service for catheter OEMs, interventional device startups, and university R&D programs. ISO 13485:2016 certified, FDA registered, QCBD QMS-driven — every weld is traceable.
Nitinol’s superelastic and shape-memory properties make it indispensable in endovascular device architectures, but its oxide-rich surface chemistry and narrow processing window demand a fundamentally different joining protocol than stainless steel. M4D’s micro-TIG process controls inert gas shielding (Ar 99.999%), electrode-to-workpiece standoff to ±5 µm, and peak current pulse duration to <1 ms to avoid the heat-affected zone (HAZ) expansion that degrades nitinol’s Af transformation temperature.
Each assembly is inspected under a calibrated stereo microscope (Leica S6 equivalent) for bead geometry, undercut, and porosity; pull-force is tested per ASTM F2633 methodology, with full test records stored in QCBD QMS and tied to the customer’s purchase order and lot number. The service covers nitinol-to-nitinol, nitinol-to-stainless steel (with Nb filler wire where specified), and nitinol coil-to-nitinol tube configurations.
Process Data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Weld Process | Micro-TIG (GTAW), laser-microweld station |
| Shielding Gas | Ar, 99.999% purity |
| Fusion Zone Width | <150 µm target |
| HAZ Management | Peak pulse <1 ms, feedback-controlled |
| Joint Configurations | Ni-Ti/Ni-Ti, Ni-Ti/SS, coil-to-tube |
| Pull-Force Test | ASTM F2633 methodology, per-lot record |
| Inspection | Stereo microscope, bead geometry + porosity |
| QMS Documentation | QCBD, tied to PO and lot number |
| EtO Compatibility | Yes |
| Regulatory | ISO 13485:2016, FDA Registered |
Pricing: $67.00 per unit assembly. Volume pricing available at 100+ units. Provide drawing or sample for feasibility review.