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Electropolishing of coronary stent

Hi,

Presently we are using in-house developed electropolishing set-up to polish the coronary stents. Currently, our electropolishing process is performed per our requirement, but we look forward to the process being made precisely controlled and automatic. Can anyone suggest to me how can we optimize the process and will make it robotic controlled automatic. Your positive and prompt reply is anticipated. Thanking You, Sincerely,

Haresh Kotadia
R&D Student - Surat, Gujrat, India
2003

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You've given no information yet about what you've learned regarding critical elements to control, Mr. Kotadia. I can't suggest how to optimize a process with no information about the parameters. Suppose that you've found no difference in parts processed at 150 degrees vs. 170 degrees and someone writes here proposing a system to maintain temperature to ± .1 degree at a cost of $85,000?

What have you learned in performing the operation per your requirement?--that's the starting point for optimization, and in looking for help.

You could start with the Electropolishing chapter in the Electroplating Engineering Handbook [on AbeBooks or eBay or Amazon affil links] , the ASM Metals Handbook Vol. 5, and the Metal Finishing Guidebook. There is also a UL standard for electropolishing of implants which may have some applicability. Good luck with it, and please get back to us and we may be able to offer suggestions for automatic control. Thanks.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

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What are you exact conditions, formulations, materials, throughputs, power sources, power consumption, plant designs and specifications?

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2003