High magnification and coaxial illumination help detect imperfections as small as 50 microns on diamond surgical blades
Using its newly acquired Nikon SMZ800 stereo microscope, Mechmed can now check the cutting edges of its diamond surgical blades for imperfections that can often be less than 50 microns in length or depth.
Since the blade is the most important part of the specialist microsurgical instruments it designs and manufacturers for use in areas such as ophthalmology and neuro surgery, the ability to control and guarantee quality is vital. Before the arrival of the SMZ800, Mechmed relied on a microscope with a maximum magnification of 60x, but this was felt to be inadequate.
Now the company can check blades at a magnification of up to 141x.
According to Chris Balch, partner at Mechmed, "In combination with coaxial episcopic illumination, this permits stress-free observation conditions in which imperfections smaller than 5 microns are clearly visible.
"The new approach means we can not only control of the quality of incoming blades, but also despatch new or repaired microsurgical instruments with an assured blade quality".
Mechmed has partnered the SMZ800 with a Nikon Coolpix 4500 digital camera. This is playing a key role in documenting blades returned for repair.
"The addition of the Coolpix 4500 answers a long felt need to be able to show credible and accurate images of diamond blades and also the fine tips of other instruments. "Occasional problems prompt the need for reports on damaged/suspect instruments where graphical representation of what is discovered during inspection is needed.
"Apart from the simple credibility of a photograph, the digital technique also allows for transmission of the captured images by email", added Balch.
