T. Habu, I. Katoh, F. Yamashita, Furukawa Techno Material Co.,LTD, Hiratsuka-City Kanagawa-Pref., Japan
Inclusions in Ni-Ti alloy for medical device is one of the most important factors in the ASTM F2063-05 standard.We are a Ni-Ti alloy maker, covering the whole process from melting to semi-finshed products such as tubing and wires.We use specialised high frequency Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) and control the melting process so that we make our material comply with ASTM F2063-05.The Inclusion size of our material has been thoroughly evaluated by some of our customers, who found our inclusion size to be relatively small.We aim to decrease Inclusions further by changing casting and melting conditions and other possible processing factors.
This report shows our observation for the behavior of Inclusions, through our process from Ingot to final size, corelation between Inclusions and fatigue life, and further study for decreasing Inclusions in Ni-Ti alloy.
Summary: Introduction of Furukawa’s NiTi alloy and investigation for behavior of Inclusions.
