Cendres+Métaux is specialised in the production of implantable, micromechanical components or systems with complex geometries made from precious metal or titanium alloys.
We also offer non-metallic implant solutions with machined or moulded components made from PEKK, the newest generation in high-performance polymers. As well as our turning, milling and moulding capabilities, we can also support our customers with different surface treatments and packaging options, all from one place.
Engineering and packaging of micromechanical components
Are you wanting to launch a new medical device but find yourself missing a reliable source for your micromechanical components? Our competent and experienced engineering and sales teams will be pleased to assist you with any technical questions. They will conduct a feasibility analysis and ensure an ideal manufacturing process for serial production.
When it comes to packaging, we have a great array of standard options available: trays, deep well trays, tubes, capsules, blisters, peel pouches etc. Nearly all of which can be adapted to customer requirements and special packaging inquiries are always welcome.
Our engineers will present you with different options and together you will be able to define the best possible packaging option for your device. Furthermore, they will help you to establish a realistic project schedule and will supervise your project from the idea through to the successful market launch.
Inspection to certification of micromechanical components
If required, this process can also include the establishment of the relevant legal documentation, in which case the quality management and regulatory teams will advise you in this matter. Quality control plays an essential role at Cendres+Métaux. Not only the dimensions, but also materials, surface finishes and packaging are continuously recorded and monitored so that a consistently high-level of quality can be guaranteed.
Should you have high cleanliness requirements and be worried about the production environment your device is produced in, our in-house microbiologist is always ready to help. Cendres+Métaux is constantly monitoring the production environment and validated cleaning processes to ensure a safe and traceable manufacturing operation.
Casting and micromachining
Cendres+Métaux has more than 125 years’ experience in refining, casting and processing precious metals. To ensure that the highest quality requirements for homogeneous alloys are met we operate our own accredited metallurgical and analytical laboratories according to ISO/IEC 17025. All our casts are first analysed, documented and approved before they can be further processed into semi-finished products.
Because of our long refining and casting tradition, biocompatible precious metal fine wires, strips, sheets and bars naturally belong to our wide range of customised products. Our wires offer an excellent radiopacity, are biocompatible and perfectly applicable for long-term implantable uses.
They exhibit a completely even surface and maintain the tightest tolerances. So if you are interested in high-quality, fully biocompatible, homogenous, radiopaque, precious metal fine wires, bars or strips your search stops here.
Development to analysis of materials and alloys
Our internal analytical and materials testing laboratories characterise and test new materials, verify the quality of alloys and investigate complaints. The most important procedures have been accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Service in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 and are registered under STS 174. In addition, the analytical laboratory is regularly inspected by the Swiss Precious Metals Control authorities.
The accreditation indicates that our competences are recognised by the Accreditation Services. It shows that our laboratories make independent testing decisions, employ competent staff, work with validated methods and are able to trace the tested merchandise back to the test results.
Therefore, we assure the application of medical device and precious metal legislations which helps to guarantee the conformity of our products.
High-performance polymers for dental applications
Cendres+Métaux recently introduced the high-performance polymer Pekkton®, a material based on OPM’s OXPEKK®-IG, to the dental world. Pekkton will allow its customers to break new ground in dentistry product development. Over the past decades, our thermoset and thermoplastic polymers have been widely employed in the dental market.
The material most often used is called PEEK, a fibre-reinforced thermoplastic (polyetheretherketones). But because of its crystalline structure, PEEK’s performance is limited, and the complex manufacturing process needs fingertip accuracy.
However, Pekkton is based on another member of the polyaryletherketone family, polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) and has been specifically developed for dental applications. Unlike PEEK, the Pekkton line offers crystalline as well as amorphous structures, which means a wider range of products can be offered.
Furthermore, the material has a slow rate of crystallisation, making it possible to obtain tight tolerances without expensive and time-consuming post-treatments. With its greater processing flexibility, the Pekkton line will contribute to the development of successful products that provide both structural and aesthetic satisfaction.
For implantable medical devices outside the mouth (short and long-term applications), Cendres+Métaux offers a high-performance polymer named OXPEKK-IG. Similar to Pekkton, OXPEKK-IG200 offers a high-processability, including optimal flow and crystallisation kinetics, as well as considerable mechanical properties (about 50% greater compressive ultimate strength than PEEK, most other properties about 10-15% greater than PEEK).
Simulation software for medical implants
Finally, Cendres+Métaux can even support you with your marketing documentation. If, for example, you are about to finalise your instructions for use but are still missing meaningful images, or you would like to post an animated video on your website showing your implant in action, then all you need to bring is your 3D files and instructions, and there is almost no end to the possibilities. Equipped with the latest 3D animation software, Cendres+Métaux’s in-house specialists will create fantastic visualisations of your product.
About Cendres+Métaux
Cendres+Métaux was founded in 1924 in the bilingual Swiss watch-making metropolis Biel/Bienne. We develop, produce and sell proprietary products, as well as customer-specific products and services for various branches of the industry. More than 430 employees combine traditional craftsmanship with innovative solutions to ensure our customers’ success. Cendres+Métaux is accredited and certified ISO 13’485 / 9001 / 14001, as well as FDA registered.
