31 Jan 2003
Victrex® PEEK™ polymer helps minimise radiation exposure in X-ray equipment
Instrumentarium Imaging Ziehm GmbH of Nuremberg, Germany, has been manufacturing and distributing a successful range of mobile X-ray equipment for 30 years. Their Ziehm 8000 and Ziehm Vista systems in combination with a novel three-dimensional imaging process trademarked TACT® represent a high-performance technology package for a wide range of applications; from intra-operative radioscopy to vascular surgery examination.
TACT® does not require patients to remain completely still during an X-ray procedure, thus eliminating the risk of unusable images and repeat procedures that can increase patients’ exposure to radiation. A high-precision adjustable beam restriction system providing for radiation-free virtual fade-in of image details further minimises radiation exposure. Image detail is confined by the linear motions of the beam restrictor which are actuated by a set of gear wheels made from Victrex® PEEK™ polymer and driven by an aluminium disk cam.
In close cooperation with Bayerschmidt Kunststoffe GmbH from Bavaria, Germany, who specialise in high-precision machined components, Ziehm selected Victrex® PEEK™ polymer for the gear wheels in order to meet the many demanding requirements of this application. While exposed to an X-ray dose of up to 80 rad, the wheels must transmit high mechanical forces at temperatures as high as 80°C.
In addition, Victrex® PEEK™ polymer provides good tribological properties and minimises the dry abrasion in contact with aluminium, which is an essential working requirement in the sterile environment of operating rooms.
The gear wheels are manufactured from Victrex PEEK™ polymer stock shapes, supplied by Sustaplast KG from Lahnstein, Germany. Its low and relatively isotropic thermal expansion is a main advantage that allows the wheels to fit precisely and avoids any gaps. Furthermore Victrex PEEK™ polymer allows ease of machining, therefore resulting in gear wheels of the highest precision and closest fit.
Reader enquiries
Helen SwarbrickVictrex plc
Victrex Technology Centre
Hillhouse International
Thornton Cleveleys
Lancashire FY5 4QD
United Kingdom
Tel +44 1253 897700
Fax +44 1253 897701
United Kingdom
Notes for editors
Victrex plc, which has its sales, technical and production headquarters at Thornton Cleveleys in Lancashire, UK, had a turnover of more than £59m in the last financial year. The company exports 97 percent of its Victrex® PEEK™ polymer output to OEMs in the automotive, industrial, medical, food and electronics market sectors in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.
Information on products, technical support services and sales and distribution contacts worldwide, can be accessed through the company’s web site: www.victrex.com
The PEEK™ Trademark
For many years Victrex plc has been using the PEEK™ trademark to refer to its brand of Polyaryletherketone. Victrex plc is the sole manufacturer and supplier of the Victrex® PEEK™ brand polymer world-wide. PEEK™ is a trademark of Victrex plc.
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Victrex® PEEK™ polymer helps minimise radiation exposure in X-ray equipment
