Mandrel Stretcher
The Pilot Line Mandrel Stretcher is designed to simplify mandrel removal from catheter shafts and other mandrel-based devices after reflow or similar manufacturing processes. Rather than simply pulling the mandrel out of the finished device, the Mandrel Stretcher elongates the mandrel, reducing its cross-sectional area and helping it release from the inside of the device. Once released, the device can slide off with zero force.
This approach is particularly useful for delicate devices that could be stretched, damaged, or distorted by the force required to pull out a tight-fitting mandrel.It also makes repetitive mandrel removal easier for operators and provides up to 21.6 inches of powered travel for mandrel materials requiring significant elongation.
Two self-tightening cam grips securely hold the exposed ends of the mandrel while a powered linear actuator stretches it. The fixed grip can be repositioned along the machine's 8-foot frame to accommodate a wide range of device and mandrel lengths, while simple momentary controls allow the operator to stretch or return the mandrel as needed.
The Mandrel Stretcher can be used with a variety of sacrificial and potentially reusable mandrel materials, depending on their mechanical properties and the required amount of elongation. Applications include silver-plated copper (SPC) mandrels as well as polymer mandrels used in catheter, introducer, endoscope, and other medical-device shaft manufacturing.
SPC Mandrel Removal Stretch silver-plated copper mandrels after shaft build until diameter drops and the finished device slides free.
Polymer Mandrel Removal Release polymer mandrels from finished shafts with controlled stretch instead of a hard pull.
Stretch-Straighten SPC Stretch coiled SPC a fraction of a percent past yield to relieve coil set; R&D length comes off straight (trim clamp ends).
SPC Diameter Reduction Reduce oversized SPC a few thousandths before build when stock is close, leaving yield for later removal.
