Robert L. Brunson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Optiforms02.16.24
According to The National Library of Medicine, retinal disease impacts 51.26% of adults between ages 60–69 years, 53.66% of adults between ages 70–79 years and 53.05% of adults aged 80 years and above. Optometrists rely on machinery that can quickly and accurately detect retinal disease, ultimately keeping patients healthier.
To provide these life-saving devices, medical technology innovators rely on specialty manufacturers to produce optical mirrors in these machines that are of the highest quality to optimize diagnosis.
What manufacturing solutions have emerged to create optical mirrors? A leading solution is through a process called electroforming.
This metal-forming process fabricates parts through electrodeposition on a model, commonly known as a mandrel. The process is based on the principles of electrolysis and utilizes the controlled flow of electrical current to achieve the desired deposition. Since the fabrication of a product requires only a single master or mandrel, low production quantities can be made economically.
Unlike traditional methods such as casting, stamping, deep drawing, or forging, electroforming can deliver mass volume at superior accuracy and extreme design complexity. Because of these properties, electroforming is ideal for medical technology solutions because of the need for extreme precision and tight tolerances to be dependable in clinical settings. Electroforming is also highly scalable and cost-effective, as it eliminates the need for extensive post-processing or assembly steps.
We manufacture the primary and secondary mirrors for these retinal scanners, which are critical components used in its optical path. Our specialized fabrication techniques produce these mirrors, along with testing methods that ensure the highest possible surface accuracies for retinal scanners.
Electroforming uses a streamlined manufacturing process to produce highly precise optical mirrors crucial to retinal scanners’ speed and precision, which ultimately helps keep patients safe and healthy.
While there are many ways that medical technology manufacturers contribute to lifesaving systems, electroforming is poised to be a longstanding solution that supports medical technology innovation by producing critical parts with accuracy and repeatability.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Robert L. Brunson is vice president of sales and marketing at Optiforms, Inc. Since 1986, Rob has guided various departments, helping develop various manufacturing processes and protocols for product development, safety, and compliance. With a broad knowledge of manufacturing methods, a focus on quality, and a commitment to exceptional customer service, Rob offers solutions for producing precision optical components.
To provide these life-saving devices, medical technology innovators rely on specialty manufacturers to produce optical mirrors in these machines that are of the highest quality to optimize diagnosis.
What manufacturing solutions have emerged to create optical mirrors? A leading solution is through a process called electroforming.
What is Electroforming?
Electroforming is a highly versatile manufacturing process and preferred method when product requirements call for extremely precise specifications, complexity, and surface finish. Based on the principles of electrochemistry, electroforming is a specialized form of electroplating that allows a high degree of control, precision, and reliability.This metal-forming process fabricates parts through electrodeposition on a model, commonly known as a mandrel. The process is based on the principles of electrolysis and utilizes the controlled flow of electrical current to achieve the desired deposition. Since the fabrication of a product requires only a single master or mandrel, low production quantities can be made economically.
Unlike traditional methods such as casting, stamping, deep drawing, or forging, electroforming can deliver mass volume at superior accuracy and extreme design complexity. Because of these properties, electroforming is ideal for medical technology solutions because of the need for extreme precision and tight tolerances to be dependable in clinical settings. Electroforming is also highly scalable and cost-effective, as it eliminates the need for extensive post-processing or assembly steps.
Practical Applications for Electroforming
Medical technology manufacturers use electroforming to create practical devices across a variety of specialties. In an optical setting, electroforming creates optical mirrors for retinal scanning devices. These retinal devices produce a clear, 200-degree single-capture retinal image in less than half a second. Images detected produce great clarity and detail, revealing nearly 97% of the retina. In addition to its great precision in detecting retinal disease, the technology is fast, easy, and patient-friendly, and improves practice flow and patient engagement.We manufacture the primary and secondary mirrors for these retinal scanners, which are critical components used in its optical path. Our specialized fabrication techniques produce these mirrors, along with testing methods that ensure the highest possible surface accuracies for retinal scanners.
Electroforming uses a streamlined manufacturing process to produce highly precise optical mirrors crucial to retinal scanners’ speed and precision, which ultimately helps keep patients safe and healthy.
Looking Ahead
The medical industry is known for its rapid updates and adaptations to continuously improve practice and protect the patient population. The future of medical technology depends on specialty manufacturers who must be prepared with innovative development systems and processes to create the preventative tools that the healthcare industry demands.While there are many ways that medical technology manufacturers contribute to lifesaving systems, electroforming is poised to be a longstanding solution that supports medical technology innovation by producing critical parts with accuracy and repeatability.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Robert L. Brunson is vice president of sales and marketing at Optiforms, Inc. Since 1986, Rob has guided various departments, helping develop various manufacturing processes and protocols for product development, safety, and compliance. With a broad knowledge of manufacturing methods, a focus on quality, and a commitment to exceptional customer service, Rob offers solutions for producing precision optical components.