Forming heat-sets a curve, angle or coil into the shaft so it holds its shape in use and returns to it after being straightened on a guidewire. A shape that relaxes over shelf life or after sterilisation is worse than no shape at all, so the set temperature and dwell are chosen against the specific material.
Shapes we set
- Angled and curved distal sections for vessel or duct selection
- Pigtail and loop ends
- Preformed bends held through packaging and sterilisation
Process notes
- Set temperature and dwell matched to the polymer so the shape does not relax over time
- Mandrel-supported forming to keep the lumen round through the bend
- Shape retention checked after forming
Typically combined with
Tipping, as the final two steps before inspection and packing — this is the end of the one-stop finishing chain that starts with printing.