MeKo Lab Services
Precise Analystics on-site
Medical components, especially implants, require outstanding quality, achievable only through controlled processes as well as continuous inspections and measurements. MeKo conducts a 100% final visual inspection of all implant components (stents, heart valves, clips, etc.) to ensure the highest quality.
Automated microscopes enable hundreds of measurements to be performed on a single workpiece. The results of these measurements ensure our customers the highest level of measurement confidence.
- more than 120 stereomicroscopes (Olympus, Zeiss, Leica, Vision Engineering)
- more than 100 specialized high-end inspection microscopes
- Measurements with an accuracy of 1 µm
- Stent scanner, in-house development
- Automated measurement systems
- Confocal laser scanning microscope
- Tensile tests
- Radial strength tests of stents
- Cross-sectional and grain analysis
- Surface roughness
Bend and Free Recovery (BFR)
For measuring the active Af temperature of NiTi devices, the Bend and Free Recovery (BFR) method is applied.
- Precise method for all geometries → no limitations for sensitive components
- Developed and optimized internally for high measurement accuracy
- Non-destructive method for verifying actual transformation behavior
- Computer-assisted, fully automatic temperature cycle
- Af temperature profile available as a diagram
Degradation Test Lab (DTM)
MeKo conducts in vitro degradation tests for magnesium scaffolds:
- Simulation of the circulatory system
- Controlled flow rate, pressure, pulsation, and temperature
- Blood substitute solution for standardized tests: PBS, SBF, ...
- Rapid and reproducible evaluation of degradation
- Monitoring and visualization of the process
- Prediction of in vivo degradation behavior
Dynamic Differential Calorimetry (DSC)
Using DSC, MeKo determines the transformation temperatures (Af temperatures) of shape memory alloys such as NiTi (Nitinol).
- Precise measurement of transformation temperatures using representative samples
- Linking results with BFR (Bend and Free Recovery) measurements
- DSC diagram - including evaluation of the Af temperature of heat-treated parts - is part of the product delivery
Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS)
Our EDS system analyzes material compositions and surface contaminations. EDS spectra show the presence and relative amount of elements, making them suitable for various applications: Ideal for materials science, metallurgy, semiconductor industry, geology, biology.
- Quick analysis
- Qualitative and semi-quantitative results
- Examination of material flaws
- Determination of element composition of alloys
- Compatible with electron microscopes (SEM, TEM)
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)
EIS is typically applied to measure alternating current and voltage. For corrosion tests, EIS technique is standard practice for measuring the polarization resistance (Rp) of corroding systems.
- Analysis of corrosion in metals: Evaluation of corrosion protection measures
- Testing the conductivity and stability of coatings and electrolytes
- Evaluation of coatings and sensors
- Non-invasive method for examining electrochemical systems
- Enables separation of different electrochemical processes
- Can be performed at room temperature and in situ
Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM)
MeKo utilizes scanning electron microscopes (SEM) to examine components and parts with high resolution and magnification of up to 30,000 times.
Potentiodynamic Tests
Potentiodynamic measurements are used to analyze the passivation and corrosion resistance of products according to ASTM F2129.
Surface Roughness
We analyze surface roughness using various testing methods, including contact stylus profilometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy.
Tensile Tests
At MeKo, we understand how to alter the mechanical properties of implant materials through heat treatment. To document the results, MeKo not only checks the time-temperature curves of each heat treatment but also verifies the results through tensile tests.
