News Events
October 2009 - Space Satellite Actuator
The properties of shape memory alloy to deliver precise proportional control simply and effectively has been put to use in actuators developed by Diameter. These are being used on the TanDEM X space mission to deliver an unprecedented level of quality and accuracy for mapping global digital elevations of the earths land surface
August 2009 - Smart Cutting Tools
Diameter along with a consortium of industrial and academic partners has been successful in winning a High Value Manufacturing award granted by the TSB despite very heavy competition. The 3 year project will investigate new coatings for cutting tools that enable transducers to be embedded in the coatings and feedback on the tool condition. It is anticipated that the results of this project will bring about significant improvements in cutting precision, tool life and energy savings.
Application News
More information on all these applications can be found by contacting Chris Tullett on chris.tullett@diameterltd.co.uk
Silver in DLC for improving the performance of Biomaterials
The barrier properties of DLC as an inhospitable environment for microbes are well known as is the use of silver for its antimicrobial properties however the combination of these two materials provides an interesting route to reducing the rates of infection in medical implants. This is especially relevant due to the global increase in hospital acquired infections such as MRSA and C. difficile. Diameter has developed a technique to combine these materials in a controlled deposition process on metal and polymer substrates. The DLC protects the body from any undesirable materials, e.g. nickel-chromium-vanadium-cobalt and the silver fights local or systemic infection.
Functionalised Surfaces of Implanted Devices
There is a limited range of synthetic materials available for use as medical implants. Using the unique properties of a chemically near-neutral material, Diamond-Like Carbon, we are expanding possibilities for biomaterials. Diameter has already produced films on orthopaedic trauma products that are able to attract certain cells in the body, forming entirely natural membrane barriers to reduce or, in this case completely eliminate infection. Instead of using drugs, we endeavour to assist nature in healing and defence mechanisms!
The control of moisture ingress on piezo ceramic actuators
The presence of moisture on low power small profile piezo ceramic actuators can cause the performance to degrade due to a change in electrical impedance. The use of DLC, combines with other materials is showing significant improvements in piezo actuator performance. IPR developed in this area has other applications for sealing porous structures.
Reducing toxic metal emissions by the replacing chrome plating with DLC
The by-products of the chromium plating process produce carcinogenic and toxic materials that pose a significant occupational and ecological hazard. DLC coatings have been shown to provide better wear resistant coatings and significantly less friction. Great potential for this technology has been shown in recent work on aircraft landing gear.
Drill bit performance and energy improvements in dry drilling using DLC coatings
When DLC coated drill bits were tested against uncoated drill bits for dry, high-speed drilling of aluminium, there was a five fold increase in drill life and a 36% reduction in power consumption. This is due to the low surface friction of DLC, allowing the cut-material to escape readily from the cutting tool. Initial tests on cutting tools in the engineering manufacturing industry have shown similar results when cutting difficult to machine stainless steel and high-strength aluminium at high speed. Diameter is making further inroads into the cutting tool arena by combining other thin-film coatings to give additional performance benefits.
Instruments to support advanced surgical techniques for minimally invasive surgery
Diameter has developed a novel laparoscopic device to improve access for diagnostic and interventional techniques. We have generated a novel scenario to facilitate the cost effective manufacturing and use of materials not normally associated with the operating theatre. The new materials, coated with DLC, are easier to manufacture, give ergonomic advantage, are easier to clean and are able to be sterilised by any of the commonly used methods without effecting performance. The present instrument, the first of several, has been successfully evaluated in theatre, giving advantage to surgeons, reducing surgical trauma for patients and a cost effective solution for the healthcare provider.
Other Initiatives
UKs Department of Trade and Industry, in the current Technology Program, has awarded a grant to a consortium of academic and industrial partners, including Diameter Ltd. The program is called APAHOE, and is focused on improving the performance of PZT actuators. The Diameter Ltd contribution will exploit the exceptional properties of DLC.
EU sponsored R&D project Loose and Tight is Developing SMA/Textiles for medical applications. The group partners from Italy, UK, Belgium, Czech Republic and Slovakia are investigating the use of SMA to improve compression hosiery for the 18 million EU residents that have potential embolism problems (DVTs).
DLC coated articulated and transcutaneous prostheses
The Royal National Orthopaedics Hospital, RNOH, requested Diameter to coat knee prostheses with Diamond-like Carbon for patients showing allergic responses to cobalt-chrome implants. The Diamond-like Carbon acts as a barrier between the implant and the patients body, enabling its placement. Transcutaneous implants are coated with DLC at the request of RNOH, in order to inhibit microbial colonisation.
Reports that DLC coatings may have antibacterial properties, and hence reduce the risk of post-operative complications, have captured the interest of many science writers, as can be seen in the following two examples:
Unique Method for Shape Setting "Smart Textiles"
Diameter Ltd has devised a method for shape setting Smart Textiles containing Shape Memory Alloy. This innovative patented technology enables shape setting without the use of an oven (>400'C) which would normally be required for Shape Memory Alloy (and would destroy the textile!). An agreement has been reached with a cardiovascular medical device company for them to use the heat treatment method as a means of improving their products. Additionally, other agreements are in place with a number of European Companies to use the technology for clothes and apparel manufacture.
European Space Agency
Tony Ansons previous successes, commercially exploiting SMA in the medical field via Anson Medical, and establishment of DMD Ltd. continue to be highlighted in the ESA Bulletin ESA Technology Transfer
Tony Anson presented an up-date of technology transfer successes, sponsored by ESA and BNSC at Farnborough 2006.
A Novel Actuator with Potential Applications for Rock-Splitting, November 2001
The previously sponsored initiative, funded by European Union to facilitate improved processing methods in the quarrying industry (Rock splitting, high value ores) has been successfully completed and has now been commercialised. |
