Technology

BioMers Products' proprietary fabrication technology relies on the use of a shrinkable and flexible die. The technology is highly suited for the fabrication of composite rods at the micro scale. Other fabrication technology is capable in producing composite rods but technical limitations impede its application to the micro scale. One such technology is pultrusion. Pultrusion is a well established manufacturing technology used to form uniform cross-section products where fibers impregnated with resin are pulled through a rigid die of constant dimensions and consolidated to form the composite. However, when applied to micro scale products such as orthodontic wires, there are three major drawbacks:

  1. uneven fiber distribution at low fiber volume fractions,
  2. uneven cross-section, and
  3. requires secondary processing to form custom arch form shapes.

These three drawbacks diminish the functionality and performance of the resultant wire. BioMers has successfully overcome these drawbacks through its patented fabrication technology. During fabrication the constituent materials are inserted into the flexible die with ease and consolidated within by shrinking the die. The shrinking action of the die consolidates the fibers, providing a uniform distribution of fibers and uniform cross section. This allows BioMers to develop effective composite rods even at lower reinforcement levels compared to other technology. A further advantage of the BioMers technology is the ability to shape the composite to any desired configuration in one easy step whether it is a simple or complex form. Unlike with other technology, there is no need for secondary processing.

The first application of the BioMers technology is in the field of orthodontics. The translucent arch wire and ASTICS® retainer are made using this novel fabrication technology. Other products are being developed for other specialties of dentistry and medicine.

wire cross section