Norman Noble adds engineering design services for medical implants

Norman Noble, Inc., Highland Heights, Ohio, announced in February 2026 the addition of engineering design services to its medical-implant manufacturing portfolio. The new offering supports customers developing implantable devices that require advanced laser machining of nitinol, cobalt-chromium, titanium, and other high-performance alloys, and lets device makers partner with Norman Noble at the earliest stages of product development.

Through the engineering design service, Norman Noble’s team works with customers on drawing specifications, design for manufacturability, prototyping strategy, and process development with the goal of moving from concept to validated prototype faster than is typical with sequential outsourcing. The capability builds on the company’s existing offerings in laser machining, athermal Noble STEALTH laser processing, Noble SynchroFlash, and Noble DryEPolish surface finishing — all of which are already used across the cardiovascular, structural heart, neurovascular, and orthopedic implant markets.

By adding upfront design support, Norman Noble strengthens its position as a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for complex implantable devices. The expansion reflects increasing customer demand for integrated end-to-end partners that can carry a device from early concept through validated production, particularly for nitinol implants where design choices and manufacturing methods are tightly coupled.

Norman Noble, Inc. is a privately held precision contract manufacturer headquartered in Highland Heights, Ohio. The company specializes in laser machining and finishing of nitinol and other implant-grade alloys, and supports the development and manufacture of finished medical implants for global medical device customers.

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FDA approves JenaValve Trilogy transcatheter heart valve for aortic regurgitation

JenaValve Technology, Irvine, California, received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval on March 23, 2026 for the Trilogy Heart Valve System for the treatment of symptomatic severe aortic regurgitation in patients deemed at high or greater risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. Trilogy is the first and only transcatheter heart valve approved in the United States for aortic regurgitation, addressing a long-standing unmet need in structural heart medicine.

The Trilogy device is a self-expanding, transcatheter aortic valve implant built on a low-profile nitinol frame with porcine pericardial tissue leaflets. The device’s locator architecture is designed to engage the native aortic leaflets to provide secure anchoring in regurgitant anatomy that lacks the calcified landing zone typically used for transcatheter valves indicated for aortic stenosis.

The approval is supported by the ALIGN-AR pivotal trial, which evaluated Trilogy in patients with symptomatic severe aortic regurgitation at prohibitive or high surgical risk. The trial demonstrated meaningful reductions in regurgitation severity at one year alongside acceptable safety endpoints, providing the first prospective evidence base for a dedicated AR transcatheter device in the United States.

JenaValve Technology develops transcatheter heart valve systems for the treatment of aortic regurgitation and aortic stenosis. The company is privately held and headquartered in Irvine, California.

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Fort Wayne Metals receives Medtronic 2025 Supplier Innovation Excellence Award

Fort Wayne Metals, Fort Wayne, Indiana, received Medtronic’s 2025 Supplier Innovation Excellence Award for its nitinol melt program, which Medtronic recognized for strengthening global supply chain resilience and supporting the advancement of life-improving medical technologies.

Fort Wayne Metals is a fully integrated nitinol supplier, controlling every step of the manufacturing process from ingot melting through custom finishing of wires, tubes, and components. The company began working with nitinol in 1991 and established a dedicated melt facility in 2012. Between 2022 and 2024, production of melted nitinol for medical applications doubled, and a second vacuum arc remelting (VAR) furnace brought online in early 2025 positions the company to double output again. Melted nitinol now represents 74 percent of all nitinol products the company sells.

“Our goal is to enable our customers to develop their innovations, from nitinol melt to custom finishing of products,” said Scott Glaze, President and CEO of Fort Wayne Metals. The award reflects the company’s role as a critical upstream supplier to medical device manufacturers developing stents, guidewires, and implantable components that rely on nitinol’s unique superelastic and shape memory properties.

Fort Wayne Metals employs more than 2,000 people across its Fort Wayne, Indiana headquarters and facilities in Columbia City, Indiana, and Galway, Ireland.

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Dynalloy transfers Flexinol actuator wire technology to insulin pump leader

Dynalloy Inc., Irvine, California, announced the transfer of its Flexinol actuator wire technology, equipment, personnel, and know-how to support vertical integration at one of the world’s largest providers of insulin pump delivery products. The agreement also includes exclusivity for direct-to-human drug delivery applications.

Flexinol actuator wires are made of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy and contract when electrically heated, functioning as compact, silent, lightweight actuators ideally suited for the precise mechanisms required in miniaturized medical devices. The technology transfer enables the insulin pump manufacturer to integrate advanced SMA actuator capabilities directly into its production operations.

In response to the transfer, Dynalloy has relocated to new state-of-the-art facilities to support increased Flexinol actuator wire manufacturing and related value-added products and sub-assemblies for its broader customer base spanning automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace, and industrial automation applications.

[www.dynalloy.com](https://www.dynalloy.com)

Integer to showcase neuromodulation innovations and fast-charge battery at NANS 2026

nteger Holdings Corporation, Plano, Texas, showcased its latest advancements in neuromodulation and next-generation miniaturized active implantable medical devices at the North American Neuromodulation Society Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, January 22-25, 2026.

The company highlighted the Xcellion Gen 3 Fast Charge lithium ion battery, which delivers best-in-class runtime and can recharge in as little as 30 minutes. Integer also demonstrated end-to-end contract development and manufacturing capabilities spanning high-performance batteries, fully integrated implantable pulse generators, and lead systems designed to accelerate development timelines and reduce risk for device companies bringing novel therapies to market.

“Miniaturization is transforming the future of implantable technologies, and we’re proud to partner with customers to make that future a reality,” said Jim Stephens, President of Cardiac Rhythm Management & Neuromodulation at Integer.

Integer Holdings is among the world’s largest medical device contract development and manufacturing organizations, serving cardiac rhythm management, neuromodulation, and cardiovascular markets. Its brands include Greatbatch Medical and Lake Region Medical.

[www.integer.net](https://www.integer.net)

Smith+Nephew signs exclusive US distribution agreement with RMR Ortho for nitinol fixation system

Smith+Nephew, Watford, United Kingdom, announced an exclusive US distribution agreement with RMR Ortho to add the A’TOMIC Nitinol Fixation System to its Trauma, Foot & Ankle, and Hand & Wrist portfolio.

The A’TOMIC system leverages proprietary manufacturing methods and the unique properties of nitinol to provide compressive fixation implants featuring a wide bridge with barbed, round legs that match drill holes. The system is engineered to achieve stability of fusion, fracture, and osteotomy sites through high strength and active compression, designed to improve implant integrity and patient comfort.

“This partnership strengthens Smith+Nephew’s fixation portfolio by adding a dynamic compression fixation solution that complements our existing technologies,” said Scott Gunn, Vice President of U.S. Marketing, Trauma, Extremities, and Shoulder at Smith+Nephew. The agreement expands the company’s ability to participate in high-frequency fracture and arthrodesis procedures while leveraging established Extremities and Trauma sales channels.

“Partnering with Smith+Nephew represents an important step forward as we continue to expand access to the A’TOMIC Nitinol Fixation System across key U.S. territories,” said Joe Ritz, CEO of RMR Ortho.

Smith+Nephew is a global medical technology company operating in more than 100 countries with approximately 18,000 employees.

[www.smith-nephew.com](https://www.smith-nephew.com)

Automaker modernizes heat-treatment operations with Nitrex technology

Automaker modernizes heat-treatment operations with Nitrex technology

Nitrex, Quebec, announced that a major automotive manufacturer has selected its EndoFlex L generators to upgrade heat-treatment operations. This initiative supports the automaker’s commitment to improving production efficiency while advancing sustainability and cost management efforts.

The facility specializes in manufacturing engine components that require carburizing, a heat-treatment process that enhances surface durability by introducing carbon into the material. Previously, the site relied on aging, gas-heated generators to produce endothermic gas for this process. However, these generators had become inefficient, consuming excessive natural gas and increasing CO₂ emissions. To address these challenges, the manufacturer has chosen Nitrex’s electrically heated EndoFlex L endothermic gas generators to optimize efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Designed specifically for carburizing applications, the EndoFlex L features a multi-retort design and precise temperature control, ensuring a consistent and stable supply of high-quality endothermic gas. The system operates on demand, significantly reducing gas consumption and emissions, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective solution.

Daniel Panny, head of sales Europe at Nitrex, emphasized the company’s long-standing relationship with the automaker, noting that previous projects included upgrading legacy generators with the EndoInjector gas injection system. He stated that this latest investment demonstrates how sustained partnerships can drive meaningful advancements in industrial manufacturing.

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Wisconsin Oven delivers two-zone belt conveyor oven for steel tempering

Wisconsin Oven Corporation, East Troy, WI, announced the shipment of a two-zone belt conveyor oven designed for tempering steel parts following induction hardening. The system is engineered for precise temperature control and enhanced energy efficiency, meeting industry specifications for uniform heating.

The oven has the capacity to heat 2,400 pounds of steel per hour from 70°F to 350°F, with a maximum temperature rating of 500°F. It features a top-down airflow recirculation system with a 32,000 CFM blower, evenly distributed between the two heating zones. Temperature control is managed by a Watlow F4T digital recorder/controller, which includes Ethernet communication capabilities and adaptive PID temperature control. A temperature uniformity survey verified uniformity within ±10°F at 350°F, ensuring compliance with AIAG specification CQI-9.

The conveyor system utilizes a continuous belt with a variable frequency drive for speed adjustments, and the work zone measures 4’0” W x 21’0” L x 14” H. To improve energy efficiency, the oven is equipped with the E-Pack™ Energy Efficiency Package, which includes additional insulation and variable frequency drives on the recirculation blowers. These features reduce energy consumption and operational costs, potentially providing substantial annual savings depending on utility rates and operating conditions.

The system’s design optimizes heat-up efficiency and uniformity, making it well-suited for high-volume steel tempering applications. The oven incorporates programmable temperature controls with auto-tuning functionality, ensuring consistent and repeatable performance for industrial heat treatment processes.

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Integer completes sale of Electrochem business, focusing on medical technology

Integer Holdings Corp., Plano, Texas, announced that it has finalized the divestiture of its Electrochem business to Ultralife Corp. for $50 million in cash. The sale marks Integer’s transition to a pure-play medical technology company, allowing it to focus exclusively on the development and manufacturing of medical devices.

The proceeds from the transaction will be used to reduce the company’s outstanding debt. Joseph Dziedzic, president and chief executive officer at Integer, emphasized that this move positions the company to allocate resources toward high-growth opportunities within the medical technology sector. He also expressed gratitude to the Electrochem team for their contributions over the years and confidence in their future under Ultralife’s ownership.

The divestiture aligns with Integer’s strategic goal to concentrate on advancing its role as a leading contract development and manufacturing organization for the medical device industry.

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Furukuwa opens new laser processing laboratory in Aichi prefecture to advance industrial solutions

Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, and Nichia Corp., Tokushima, Japan, announced that they have jointly opened the Cutting-Edge Laser Processing Solution Laboratory (CELL) in Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture. Located in a key hub of the automotive industry, the new facility is designed to accelerate the development of laser processing technologies and provide innovative solutions to industrial challenges.

The laboratory is equipped with Furukawa Electric’s advanced industrial lasers, including the newly developed 5kW blue laser (BR5000), which delivers world-leading brightness through optical fiber. Plans are in place to install the full range of Furukawa Electric’s industrial lasers, including the BRACE Series of Blue-IR hybrid lasers, enabling the lab to meet diverse customer requirements and expedite process testing and evaluations.

CELL is a collaborative effort between Furukawa Electric and Nichia, facilitating activities that span laser processing and light source development. This partnership will enable the two companies to propose next-generation laser solutions tailored to specific customer needs, with a particular focus on addressing the demands of copper processing for the electrification of mobility.

Both companies are committed to advancing laser technology and supporting the development of innovative production methods, contributing to the evolution of the automotive and related industries.

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One Minute Mentor: Improving the Homogeneity of the Distortion Behavior

Controlling out-of-roundness is important for certain precision applications, such as class C and D cutting hobs made of high-speed steels. Class C and D hobs must be held close to size limits because they are not ground to size after heat treatment, but rather are used in the unground condition.

Normal size distortion in hardening and tempering can be accommodated by making the tool slightly oversize or slightly undersize, as required, before heat treating. High-speed steel bars, however, have been observed to go out-of-round as much as 0.05 mm (0.002 in.) during heat treatment. The pattern of size distortion shown in Fig. 8 can occur. It appears to be related to the initial shape of the cast ingot and to the specific primary-mill processing used to reduce the ingot into bars.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 8. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005980

Norman Noble develops higher power system for Nitinol implants

Norman Noble, Highland Heights, Ohio, has developed a high power system to provide the cleanest cut with no HAZ (Heat Affected Zone).

Norman Noble’s vice president of manufacturing, Dan Stefano said, “We are excited to announce the release of our Stealth HP Laser Cutting technology. This state-of-the-art laser cutting process provides for cutting thicker wall Nitinol medical devices HAZ-free while reducing the need for costly secondary operations. This technology, coupled with our fully automated/validated processes, continues to position Norman Noble as a leading contract manufacturer for the production of medical devices and implants.”

Noble STEALTH HP is an ultrashort pulse laser that reduces or eliminates costly deburring and post-processing steps because it can cut with no heat affected zone. These elements increase quality and yield of medical devices. Athermal lasers enable the machining of next generation vascular and orthopedic implants that otherwise would be impossible to produce.

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Johnson Matthey signs agreement for hydrogen investment in China

Johnson Matthey, Beijing, China, has signed an investment agreement with the Jiading District in Shanghai to help accelerate the hydrogen economy in China.

At a signing ceremony in Sonning, UK, JM and the Shanghai Jiading District announced plans to build a new catalyst coated membrane (CCM) production facility, providing CCM production capability for multiple proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell applications and PEM electrolysers.

The facility, which will have an initial capacity of up to 5GW, will occupy 22,000m2 in the Jiading district of Shanghai, in a designated Hydrogen industrial zone and is due to be operational in 2025. It will have potential to expand further in line with customer demand.  

The investment, which is backed by customer demand, is part of JM’s £1.1 billion global stated capital expernditure for the three years to 2024/25 and will include government support and incentives. 

The new production facility will enable Johnson Matthey to supply existing Chinese and international customers with locally produced CCMs, and in addition there is a strong pipeline of further customer interest across both fuel cell and renewable (green) hydrogen technologies.

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Wisconsin oven ships pin conveyor oven to automotive manufacturer

Wisconsin Oven Corp., East Troy, has shipped one electrically heated conveyor oven to an automotive manufacturer, which will be used for tempering automotive parts. The conveyor oven features a chain style conveyor system with vertical pins, ensuring the uniform transfer of parts through the heating and cooldown zones of the oven. The maximum temperature rating of the conveyor oven is 260° C, with interior chamber dimensions of 3’6” W x 20’10” L x 9” H.

The conveyor oven also features a top-down bottom-up airflow configuration designed with a 55,000 CFM @ 50 HP blower, ensuring optimal temperature uniformity of ±2.5° C at 163°C, documented with a temperature uniformity test. The oven is equipped with a continuous chain conveyor with vertical pins, programmable temperature controller, and recorder with Ethernet capabilities.

The unique features of this tempering oven include the ability to automatically scan the parts while being loaded onto the conveyor and validate that the correct part is being loaded, providing a pass/fail regarding heating time and temperature. The conveyor oven also includes an ambient cooldown zone and supervised installation with start-up and training.

Mike Grande, vice president of sales,said that, “Our continuous designs provide customers with innovative solutions to meet their load and process requirements. This conveyor oven was designed with high-velocity impingement air nozzles for rapid, uniform heating and optimal part results.” The equipment was fully factory tested and adjusted prior to shipment from the facility, ensuring it met all Wisconsin Oven quality standards. The equipment comes with a 2-year warranty, providing peace of mind for the automotive manufacturer.

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