Lumetrics' Thickness Measurement System Enables Rapid Design and Production for Direct Flow Engineers
ROCHESTER, N.Y., - Lumetrics®, a leading manufacturer of world-class precision thickness measurement technology, has installed an OptiGauge(TM) with Direct Flow Medical to enable design and manufacture of new cardiovascular products. Direct Flow uses the OptiGauge(TM) technology to design and perfect advanced catheter and balloon products for their minimally invasive implant to treat patients with heart valve disease.
"The OptiGauge(TM) allows us to understand our balloon manufacturing processes very clearly", said Gordon Bishop, Chief Technology Officer. "By obtaining precise, direct measurements of balloons upon line startup, we are able to make adjustments immediately and produce product that meet the design specifications from the beginning".
The OptiGauge(TM) provides non-contact measurements at up to 200 samples per second and can measure objects as thin as 12 microns or as thick as 50 mm. The OptiGauge uses advanced optical components to ensure trouble free operation without continuous calibration. Additionally, the OptiGauge(TM) can be integrated into a production facility's process control system for smooth and efficient plant operation.
Prior to the OptiGauge(TM), engineers would have to wait for the lot to be built and then destructively test and analyze the balloon using a microscope. After implementing the OptiGauge(TM), operations now have a 100% non-destructive method for measuring balloons. "The OptiGauge(TM) has allowed us to achieve precise measurements with an added benefit of a reduced inspection cycle time", said Andrew LaPlante, Quality Engineer. "Today, I can inspect a balloon in five minutes and obtain much more data. Additionally, all the operators find the system extremely easy to use, and we are investigating other uses within our product suite."
Lumetrics engineers are experts at simple to complex fixturing to enable parts to be quickly scanned, categorized, and then passed or failed. This data can then be stored in SPC based data storage for full FDA compliance."Our goal is to enable our customers to rapidly produce safer products with more accurate, repeatable measurements" said John Hart, Lumetrics CEO.
About Lumetrics®
Lumetrics® has developed a proven, accurate, non-contact measurement system designed to reduce production cycle time and enhance quality control. Lumetrics® products are used primarily by manufacturers of medical devices, optics, flexible packaging, and industrial materials. For more information about Lumetrics®, visit www.lumetrics.com.
About Direct Flow Medical, Inc.
Founded in 2004, Direct Flow Medical, Inc. (www.directflowmedical.com) is a privately held, emerging medical device company developing a next generation, transcatheter aortic valve replacement device. The Company is headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, has a manufacturing and technology facility in Lake Forest, CA and employs 75 people. The Company's unique implant design is not limited to aortic valve disease but is readily applicable to mitral and other heart valve anatomical sites.
Contact: Cheryl Clem, Direct Flow Medical, Inc., (707) 576-0420 ext. 202, cclem@directflowmedical.com
For More Information:
Steve Heveron-Smith
Vice President, Marketing & Business Development
585-214-2455 x 102
sheveron-smith@Lumetrics.com
