Everything You Need to Know About Electromagnetic Micro-Coils
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Electromagnetic micro-coils are typically very tiny coils that help to interact an electric current with a magnetic field. To produce these tiny coils, one needs to wind the electrically conductive wires into different shapes, such as helix, spiral, or coil. However, the shape and size of the electromagnetic micro-coils are determined based on the purpose of use. A coil designer considers multiple parameters, such as required resistance and inductance levels, and magnetic field strength to decide what should be the size of the coils and how they should be wound. During the micro-coil manufacturing process, manufacturers use a magnifying glass or a microscope to work with the tiny coils.
There are various devices, including transformers, sensors, inductors, and electromagnets that require electromagnetic interaction. To build this interaction, micro-coils take part in these devices. You can develop an electromagnetic interaction in two different ways, such as- i) you can generate a magnetic field around the coil by passing the electricity along the conductive wires, and ii) you can generate an electric current in the conductive wires by applying an external magnetic field along the coil’s interior.
Challenges Because of the Micro-Coil’s Size:
While micro-coils are the vital components of invasive medical devices, the coils get a tiny space to fit into the devices. Therefore, this physical size constraint is a great challenge for manufacturers. With the rising demand for tiny components, including transducers and sensors, the need for tiny-sized electromagnetic coils is increasing tremendously. To manufacture these tiny coils, manufacturers should use advanced micro-motion positioning and controlling equipment.
Production Challenges:
The winding of ultra-fine conductive wires is the chief process of the production of electromagnetic micro-coils. The diameter of this wire can be approximately eight to nine microns. When it comes to winding these wires or connecting two tiny wires, manufacturers can not rely on traditional methods and equipment. They should use custom-made equipment and advanced methods during the manufacturing process.
Connection between Ultra-Fine Wires:
To overcome the issues of the traditional methods and find an efficient solution to the connectivity challenges, modern manufacturers depend on thermos-pressure bonding method. This is an innovative method for building a connection between two similar and different tiny wires. If the wires are twelve times different in thickness or made of distinct materials, you can also use this method to get reliable and strong connections. As this bonding method gives you highly durable, corrosion-less, and strain-less joints, you can use this method to produce long durable products, such as medical disposals and permanent implants.
Winding of Ultra-Fine Wires:
The core process of electromagnetic coil manufacturing is the winding method. However, before winding the wires, manufacturers need to coat the wires through insulation process. These insulated wires should be wound using the custom-made winding machinery. The custom-made machinery will help the manufacturers to build the coils according the specifications provided by the customers and maintain high quality. Along with this, manufacturers should also be aware of maintain the tight tolerance requirements.
Applications of Electromagnetic Micro-Coils:
Electromagnetic micro-coils are applicable in a variety of applications, such as-
- Active Implants:
In the production of the stimulation components for human brain and pain management devices, micro-coils have a crucial role. These coils also help to monitor and control the implant pacemakers.
- Therapeutic Applications:
Micro-coils help to produce the devices for the measurement of electricity-based ablation and electrophysiological treatments.
- Orientation and Navigation Sensors:
To produce the orientation and navigation sensors, electromagnetic micro-coils are required. These sensors have a crucial role in various navigation activities, such as highly accurate ablations, implanted markers, targeted radiation catheters, stent positioning, endoscopic manipulation, and targeted drug delivery.
- Orthopedic and Dental Treatments:
Many devices for orthopedic and dental treatments consist of micro-coils.
- Diagnostic:
Tiny sensor implants are useful for conducting wireless communication. To produce these sensors, you will require micro-coils.
Apart from these applications, electromagnetic micro-coils also help to produce a long list of medical devices, including temperature measurement device. Above all, micro-coils help to access various high-density body regions without causing any harm to the body functioning. The developers of the invasive medical devices are also finding new possibilities to explore medical science with the help of micro-coils. Therefore, in upcoming future, you will probably see more applications of these tiny electromagnetic coils.