Guidant Pacemaker

Problem/Challenge Bridge Production
The world of miniature parts presents manufactures with a unique set of challenges. Guidant, one of the worlds largest manufactures of pacemakers, was faced with just such a problem. How to manufacture and inspect in less than two weeks a plastic header for its new line of Cardiac Rethum Management products.

Solutions/Results Rapid Tooling
General Pattern utilized its full suite of services by first making 40 steerielithography (SL) models in 24 hours while simultaneously constructing a Rapid Laser Sintered (LS) tool capable of 25,000+ shoots in polycarbonite. With tooling complete, the next hurdle was providing inspection data within 24 hours of first shots. Using our CGI system, which digitally reverse engineers a part allowing part geometry to be compared to CAD data through color-mapping, a complete internal/external understanding of the parts dimensional behavior was obtained.

Benefit/Impact Injection Moulding
Equipped with 2000 polycarbonite injection molded headers, Guidant was able to proceed with testing as planned. The level of inspection data exceeded anything previously available in this time frame and provided an immediate understanding on which to base design revisions. With the LS tool’s ability to accept welding changes, the tool could easily and quickly be revised for a modest cost.

Commercial
Tool Price $6,200
Unit Price $95
Performance First article in 2 weeks