Fine Wire For Medical Applications

New for 2018, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Avocet Precision Metals as the official European distributor for The Ulbrich range of wires for the medical device industry
Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals have one of the most technically advanced wire drawing and rolling facilities in the world for small diameter wires. This partnership has enabled us to become a leading supplier in Europe for precision fine wires for the medical device market, in particular for braided medical devices.

Paying particular attention to dimensional tolerances, tensile strength and precision winding, we now have an enviable reputation for supplying the highest quality fine wire in Europe. Having the ability to deliver very short lead times to our European customers and provide essential technical support gives us the edge over our competitors.

Download our Medical Fine Wire Stocking Program here:

Specifically tailored to meet the requirements of braided catheter manufacturing.

Next day delivery available for certain items

Perfect for research and development projects, or for instances where you need material very quickly

Supplied on Steeger bobbins

304V, NiTi, Beryllium Copper, Tungsten and MP35N kept in stock, in both round and flat sizes.

Click on the following hot links to take you to information on that alloy / form:

Flat Wire

Round Wire

Micro Shaped Wire

304V

Nitinol

MP35N

L605

Tungsten

Beryllium Copper

Flat Wire

Flat wire is available from stock, in a range of alloys from the Medical Fine Wire Stocking Program, specifically for braided catheter manufacturing.

Alternatively, bespoke sizes/tensile ranges can be produced on the shortest lead times in the industry.

Aspect ratio of 1:10 on thickness: width. Tailored winding tension and winding gap to optimise customers braiding efficiency and minimise wire breaks.

Thickness’s down to 0.0127mm (0.0005”).
Suitable for many medical device applications including braided and coiled parts.
A number of different spooling options including Steeger and Wardwell bobbins.

Round Wire

Round wire is available from stock, in a range of alloys from the Medical Fine Wire Stocking Program, specifically for braided catheter manufacturing.

Alternatively, bespoke sizes/tensile ranges can be produced on the shortest lead times in the industry.

Tailored winding tension and winding gap to optimise customers’ braiding efficiency and minimise wire breaks.
Diameters down to 0.0127mm (0.0005”).
Suitable for many medical devices applications including braided shafts.
A number of different spooling options including Steeger and Wardwell bobbins.

Micro Shaped Wire

Ulbrich have the capabilities and expertise to produce shaped wire at very small dimensions. We have the knowledge and technical experience which allows us to discuss the problems and advise on the ideas of design engineers, and come up with solutions together. Having the ability to both draw and roll fine wires into different shapes means we can help customers by:

Supplying a semi finished product in continuous form allowing production departments to increase efficiencies.

Produce parts that would otherwise be unviable through other production methods and techniques.

Micro Shaped Wire

Ulbrich have the capabilities and expertise to produce shaped wire at very small dimensions. We have the knowledge and technical experience which allows us to discuss the problems and advise on the ideas of design engineers, and come up with solutions together. Having the ability to both draw and roll fine wires into different shapes means we can help customers by:

Supplying a semi finished product in continuous form allowing production departments to increase efficiencies.

Produce parts that would otherwise be unviable through other production methods and techniques.

304V

This is the most commonly used alloy in the braided catheter market. It is an alloy which is subsequently vacuum ark re-melted to provide a very uniform chemistry free from contaminants, perfect for medical devices. It is very easily welded.

Available from the Medical Fine Wire Stocking program in both round and flat sizes
Typical Chemistry (%)

Nitinol (NiTi)

This is a very special alloy with two properties that make it a fine choice for use in medical devices. Shape memory gives NiTi the ability to be formed at one temperature, but then return to its original form/shape when heated to its transformation temperature. This gives designers a lot of scope for innovative medical device solutions. Super-elasticity is when NiTi is deformed at a higher temperature to its transformation temperature. This process yields a very rubbery and spring like material.

Available from the Medical Fine Wire Stocking program in both round and flat sizes
Typical Chemistry (%)

MP35N

This is a Cobalt- Chromium alloy which is triple melted (initial Vacuum Induction Melted, then Electro Slag Remelt, and finally Vacuum Arc Remel) to produce an alloy free from impurities. This alloy exhibits excellent strength and workability, similar to 304 stainless steel, but with superior corrosion resistance. It is becoming more popular amongst braided catheter designers.

Available from the Medical Fine Wire Stocking program in both round and flat sizes
Typical Chemistry (%)

L605

This is a Cobalt-Chromium alloy which is non magnetic and has very good corrosion resistance. This alloy is commonly used in stents and is also being used by manufacturers of braided catheter shafts.

Available from the Medical Fine Wire Stocking program in both round and flat sizes
Typical Chemistry (%)

Tungsten

A very high strength, high tensile alloy that when in its pure form is very easily workable. For braided applications, tungsten is available in very high tensile strengths.

Available from the Medical Fine Wire Stocking program in both round and flat sizes

Beryllium Copper

Beryllium Copper is a family of alloys that combine high strength with non magnetic qualities. Typically available in mid tensile ranges for braided applications.

Available from the Medical Fine Wire Stocking program in both round and flat sizes
Typical Chemistry (%)