Medical-device development · February to September 2026
The part requirements
Ivo, a US customer developing a urinary catheter device, needed a Ti-6Al-4V ELI titanium retainer ring and a PA12 anti-pinch washer. The project began with prototypes and a plan to evaluate small-batch production.
The titanium component had a specified surface-finish target of Ra ≤ 0.025 µm. That target was one part of the development brief, alongside thread geometry, dimensional requirements and the behavior of mating materials.
Reviewing the thread before production
During the March 2026 drawing review, Shenghao identified a risk of thread-crest damage where a threaded hole intersected a curved surface. The engineering discussion focused on entry geometry, engagement and alternative thread specifications.
Thread-pitch alternatives remained part of the development work. A proposed change needed to be considered against the customer's mating parts and design requirements before being adopted.
Coordinating titanium and polymer components
From April to May, the proposed route for the titanium retainer combined machining, turning, grinding and polishing. The PA12 washer was discussed alongside the metal component so both could be reviewed as parts of the same assembly.
This required coordination between the part geometry, finishing sequence and inspection requirements, rather than treating each operation as a separate purchase.
Addressing questions from prototype development
During July and August, the customer raised questions about repeated contact between titanium components and alternative material pairings. Shenghao provided manufacturing feedback for the customer's design team to evaluate as development continued.
Project outcome and status
The supplied project account records titanium-retainer and PA12-washer prototypes, process documentation and DFM recommendations. As of September 2026, the project remained in development, with thread options and material pairings still under review.
The Ra value shown here is the specified target. This case study does not report a verified surface measurement, completed device validation or production release.
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