Stainless Steel Staple Research Articles

Fabrication of Low-Twist and High-Strength Metallic Fibre Hybrid Spun Yarns

Stainless-steel fibre hybrid spun yarns are becoming increasingly popular due to their wide range of applications. In this aspect, the cost-effective and scalable processing of such yarns is highly important. Stainless-steel staple fibres are relatively heavier and weaker compared to conventional textile fibres. As a result, the staple spinning processing of these fibres showing higher tensile strength and productivity both at the same time is quite challenging. In this manuscript, we explored a number of spinning techniques to find the optimised method of producing low-twist and high-strength stainless-steel fibre hybrid spun yarns offering the advantage of both quality and productivity. Conventional ring spinning, folding and twisting, and advanced ring spinning techniques (ARSTs) such as pneumatic compact ring spinning and pneumatic compact SIRO spinning were employed in this study. Additionally, the plain and SIRO yarns were produced in two forms using the compact spinning method, one with pneumatic suction active (compact plain, compact SIRO) and other with pneumatic suction inactive (noncompact plain, noncompact SIRO). The tensile properties of yarns were tested and analysed. The results reveal that the tensile properties of conventional ring-spun and plied yarns can be enhanced to some extent by increasing the twist coefficient (TC) and the number of yarn plies, respectively. In contrast, by finding optimised spinning parameters, a substantially higher tensile strength (up to 16%) of yarns, produced at ARSTs, was observed even at the minimum level of TC used in experiments. The findings of the study are extremely valuable in terms of scaling up the production of high-quality metallic fibre hybrid spun yarns at a higher productivity level.

What’s New in Hand and Wrist Surgery

What’s New in Hand and Wrist Surgery

Biomechanical Analysis of Zone 2 Flexor Tendon Repair With a Coupler Device Versus Locking Cruciate Core Suture

To compare flexor tendon repair strength and speed between a tendon coupler and a standard-core suture in a cadaver model. In 5 matched-pair fresh cadaver hands, we cut the flexor digitorum profundus tendon of each finger in zone 2 and assigned 20 tendons to both the coupler and the suture groups. Coupler repair was with low-profile stainless steel staple plates in each tendon stump, bridged by polyethylene thread. Suture repair was performed using an 8-strand locking-cruciate technique with 4-0 looped, multifilament, polyamide suture. One surgeon with the Subspecialty Certificate in Surgery of the Hand performed all repairs. Via a load generator, each flexor digitorum profundus was loaded at 5 to 10 N and cycled through flexion just short of tip-to-palm and full extension at 0.2 Hz for 2,000 cycles to simulate 6 weeks of rehabilitation. We recorded repair gapping at predetermined cycle intervals. Our primary outcome was repair gapping at 2,000 cycles. Tendons that had not catastrophically failed by 2,000 cycles were loaded to failure on a servohydraulic frame at 1 mm/s. Tendon repair gapping was similar between coupled and sutured tendons at 2,000 cycles. Tendons repaired with the coupler had higher residual load to failure than sutured tendons. Mean coupler repair time was 4 times faster than suture repair. Zone 2 flexor repair with a coupler withstood simulated early active motion in fresh cadavers. Residual load to failure and repair speed were better with the coupler. This tendon coupler may eventually be an option for strong, reproducible, rapid flexor tendon repair.

Space-structure-fabricated and Ni Film-deposited hybrid fabrics for enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding

In this work, high-performance hybrid fabrics for electromagnetic interference-shielding were constructed via a novel approach of space-structure fabrication and Ni film deposition. First, the composite yarns containing stainless steel filaments and stainless steel staple fibers were weaved into fabric. Then, the surface of the fabric was coated with a Ni film by magnetic filtration cathodic vacuum arc deposition technology. Optical microscopy illustrated that stainless steel filaments and stainless steel staple fibers formed complex structures of conductive grids. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed that Ni was deposited to form a Ni film on the surface of the fabric. Research result shows that the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of the hybrid fabrics was improved effectively through space-structure-fabricating and film-depositing. Film coating can improve the fabrics’ shielding effectiveness up to 12.14% under the same stainless-steel staple fibers content condition. As a result, the novel approach is an effective means for improving the shielding effectiveness of fabrics.

Influence of washing/drying cycles on fundamental properties of metal fiber-containing fabrics designed for electromagnetic shielding purposes

The development of lightweight flexible materials for electromagnetic interference shielding has received increased attention in recent years, particularly for clothing or technical applications and especially in areas of aircraft, aerospace, automobiles and flexible electronics, such as portable electronics and wearable devices. There are many references in the literature concerning the development and investigation of electromagnetic shielding lightweight flexible materials, especially those that are textile based with different electrically conductive additives. However, little attention has been paid to the problems related to the performance of developed electromagnetic shielding materials for clothing in use, above all wet processing (washing and drying). The main aim of this paper is a description of the influence of washing/drying cycles on the fundamental properties of metal fiber-containing fabrics. Changes in electromagnetic shielding ability and electric conductivity after washing/drying cycles were studied and also other characteristics, such as pilling, changes in mass per unit area and thickness of conductive fabrics, were evaluated. For the purpose of this study, fabrics with different structures (knitted, woven) containing extremely thin stainless steel staple fibers incorporated to the yarn structure as the conductive filler were chosen. For quantification of the influence of the washing/drying cycles on the above-mentioned characteristics, regression methods and simple t-tests were used. Both knitted and woven fabrics withstood satisfactory repeated application of wet processing with respect to the main requirement – electromagnetic shielding ability; in addition, woven fabrics exceeded in higher electrical conductivity, higher shielding effectiveness and lower inclination to pilling and therefore can be used for the production of protective cloth.

Ultra-lightweight hybrid woven fabric containing stainless steel/polyester composite yarn for total EMI shielding in frequency range 8–18 GHz

This article describes the preparation of composite conductive yarn from stainless steel and polyester staple fibre with different fibre composition adopting worsted spinning system. The conducting yarn was successfully woven into variety of hybrid woven structures in the Picanol Gammax Rapier Loom. The aim of this research was to develop conducting yarn of different conductivity level (linear resistance 6–9 kΩ/m to 150–200 Ω/m) and subsequent conversion of yarn into ultra-lightweight woven fabric (~100 gsm) for providing electro-magnetic interference/radio frequency interference shielding effectiveness to the electronic equipment/devices. The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of these woven fabrics was evaluated in free space microwave measurement system in microwave frequency (8–18 GHz) for vertical and horizontal polarization of electromagnetic wave. EMSE of ~31 dB in single layer of fabric is achieved. The effect of various fabric parameters, i.e. yarn spacing, yarn density and weave structure, on behaviour of electromagnetic wave has also been studied.

The effect of needle-punched nonwoven fabric thickness on electromagnetic shielding effectiveness

In this study, the effect of nonwoven fabric thickness on electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE) was investigated and there was found to be a correlation between the thickness of needle-punched nonwoven fabric and EMSE. The production of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics from stainless steel staple fiber in the experimental study was carried out. Stainless steel staple fibers provided by Bekaert were used as a raw material. The webs were formed using a wool-type carding machine. The webs were bonded using needling punching machines. The pre-needled, twice-needled and thrice-needled nonwoven fabrics at three different thicknesses were produced. The experimental studies were carried out using large-scale production machines instead of small-scale laboratory-type machines. EMSE measurements of produced needle-punched nonwoven fabrics, in addition to physical properties such as strength, elongation and thickness, were performed. The coaxial transmission line method specified in ASTM D4935-10 was utilized to test the nonwoven fabrics and the needle-punched nonwoven fabrics were tested in the frequency range from 15 to 3000 MHz. It was understood that needle-punched nonwoven fabric thickness was a very important parameter for EMSE. It was found that as the frequency increases, EMSE values of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics showed continuously increasing tendency by starting from a specific frequency in the frequency range of 15–3000MHz. There were no significant differences between absorption and reflection values of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics produced at different thicknesses. It was found that pre-needle-punched, twice-needled and thrice-needle-punched nonwoven fabrics produced from the conductive stainless steel staple fibers in our study have, respectively, highest EMSE values of 22, 25 and 27 dB between 2100 and 2400 high frequency ranges.

A Biomechanical Research of Growth Control of Spine by Shape Memory Alloy Staples

Shape memory alloy (SMA) staples in nickel titanium with shape memory effect are effective for spinal growth control. This study was designed to evaluate the biomechanical properties of the staples and observe the stability of the fixed segments spine after the staples were implanted. According to the vertical distance of the vertebrae, SMA staples of 5, 6.5, and 8 mm were designed. The recovery stress of 24 SMA staples in three groups was measured. The pullout strength of SMA staples and stainless steel staples in each functional spinal unit was measured. Each of the six fresh specimens was divided into three conditions: normal, single staple, and double staples. Under each condition, the angle and torque of spinal movements in six directions were tested. Results show that the differences in recovery stress and maximum pullout strength between groups were statistically significant. In left and right bending, flextion, and extention, the stability of spine was decreased in conditions of single staple and double staples. Biomechanical function of SMA staples was superior to stainless steel staple. SMA staples have the function of hemiepiphyseal compression and kyphosis and scoliosis model of thoracic vertebrae in goat could be successfully created by the fusionless technique.

Biomechanical comparison of fusionless growth modulation corrective techniques in pediatric scoliosis

Fusionless growth-sparing implants for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) attempt to manipulate vertebral growth to restore spinal alignment. This study critically explores different implants utilizing a human spine scoliotic finite element model (FEM). Stainless steel (SS) and shape memory alloy (SMA) staples and flexible tethers were modeled and alternatively integrated around the apex of the convexity of the scoliotic model. Stress profiles over vertebral growth plates were obtained. Two years of growth was simulated with non-instrumented and instrumented models, as curvature changes were quantified. Apical asymmetrical stresses in non-instrumented and instrumented scoliotic models with SS staple, flexible tether, and SMA staple were 0.48, 0.48, 0.23, and 0.33 MPa, respectively. Patient data and non-instrumented model progressed from 28° to 62° of thoracic Cobb angle over 2 years. Simulated projected long-term thoracic Cobb angles of instrumented models are 31° with SS staple, 31° with flexible tether, and 34° with SMA staple. Initial implant compression achieved during instrumentation provided a significant influence on initial and long-term spinal profiles. The developed FEM provides an effective platform with which to explore, critique, and enhance fusionless growth-sparing techniques.

A Perforating Eye Injury Caused by a Staple Gun, Treated Successfully Without Vitrectomy.

A 30-year-old carpenter accidentally impaled his own left eye with a 5 cm staple ejected from a pneumatic gun. Entering the globe off-axis, the stainless steel staple caused a vitreous hemorrhage. On the day of injury, the staple was removed surgically. The vitreous hemorrhage cleared rapidly enough to permit laser treatment around the equatorial retinal perforation site. Visual acuity improved to 6/9 and remained stable over a one-year period of careful follow-up. No retinal detachment developed. No additional intervention was required. While vitrectomy with or without a circular buckling remains the standard for perforations into the posterior segment, selected cases may be managed conservatively.

Mechanical characteristics of three staples commonly used in foot surgery

BackgroundBone staples are an accepted method of fixation in foot surgery. They reduce operating time and trauma in surgical procedures. A variety of memory staples are available but their properties compared to standard staples are not known. We carried out a study comparing two popular types of memory staples and a standard stainless steel staple.MethodsStandardized bone models of metatarsals made from Tufnol tubes were osteotomized and stabilised using one of three types of bone staples, two types of memory staple (Memory staple and heat-activated Memoclip) or a standard stainless steel staple (Richards). Constructs were loaded in bending and torsion on a material testing machine. The moment and torque to achieve 10 degree of bending or torsion and permanent angulation of the osteotomized bones were assessed.ResultsThe Richards staple was found to provide a four times larger resistance to bending and torsion than the two memory staples. However, it was permanently deformed after bending. The Memory and Memoclip staples were equal in their stiffness. In addition, angulation of bones fixed with the Memoclip was elastic, preventing any permanent deformation.ConclusionThe Richards staple was stiffer, although the permanent deformation of this staple is a disadvantage. Memoclip staples exhibit lower but adequate stiffnesss when compared to the standard Richards staple and are not permanently deformed after bending. The Memoclip staples were easier to handle. The results will enable surgeons to determine the optimal staple for foot and ankle procedures.

Research of the peak force of pullout about different thoracic hemi-epiphyseal compression staples in animal

To evaluate the initial dislocation resistance of the pullout force of different material or different type of goats thoracic hemi-epiphyseal compression staples. According to the measuring anatomic data of thoracic vertebra (T6 approximately T11) specimens in goats (age 2 approximately 3 months), we designed stainless steel staple whose original distances between two opened prone were 10 mm and three kinds of shape memory alloy (SMA) staples whose original distances between two opened prone were respectively 5.0, 6.5 and 8.0 mm. Four specimens were used and each was cut into three functional spinal units (FSU) of T6 - T7, T8 - T9 and T10 - T11, then FSU were redistributed. Stainless steel staples and SMA staples were implanted into both sides of FSU. There were four groups: group I was stainless steel staples. group II was SMA of 5.0 mm. group III was SMA of 6.5 mm. group IV was SMA of 8.0 mm. The peak force of pullout in each FSU was measured on 858 biomechanical test machine. The peak force of group I was (20.62 +/- 9.15) N, group II was (74.18 +/- 8.81) N, group III was (51.28 +/- 5.44) N, group IV was (39.13 +/- 7.54) N. It is found that there were statistically different between all groups (P < 0.05). The peak force values of group I were lowest than others. Differences of the initial dislocation resistance in different materials. SMA staples exhibit higher pullout force. Meanwhile, the pullout forces were also different between SMA staples, the smaller original distance the higher peak force of pullout.

Process of Complex Core Spun Yarn Containing a Metal Wire

Nearly all electrostatic dissipating yarns or fabrics are fabricated from a man-made carbon conducting core surrounded by a sheath of polyester or nylon, electroplated staple fiber, fabric or stainless steel staple fiber. Few electrostatic dissipating materials are spun from continuous, well conducting metal wires. This work uses metal wire as the core and fabricates the yarn using a ring-spinning machine. The copper and stainless steel wires were employed as core materials, and rayon and T/R (polyester/rayon) roving were used as cover materials. During the spinning process, the metal wire was fed from the front rollers and underwent drafted roving to spin yarn with a complex core. The guide device was designed and installed on the roller-weighting arm to increase the stability of spinning of the metal wire. Various parameters such as the core materials, the roving materials, the twist level and the count of the spun yarn were changed to investigate how various parameters affect the tenacity and hairiness of the complex core spun yarn.

Effects of yarn constitutions and fabric specifications on electrical properties of hybrid woven fabrics

Abstract This paper reports a fabrication method for conductive open-end friction core-spun yarn (OFCY), which, as described, are constructed from open-end friction spun yarn (OFSY) and core stainless steel wire (SW) combined within the yarn twisting zone of the friction drum during the open-end friction spinning process. To facilitate weaving of SW and reduce the material cost, initially, the sheath stainless steel (SS), Kevlar (KS) or rayon (RS) staple fiber and core stainless steel wire are combined to form the OFCY yarn by using a DREF III open-end friction spinning method. The OFCY yarns were successfully woven into a variety of woven structures produced from a semi-automatic loom. The primary objects of this research are to develop new conductive yarns and fabrics, which could be suitable for shielding home electronic devices, electrical appliances from electromagnetic fields. Such fabrics could be incorporated into prepreg systems used for composite manufacture. In these fabrics, SW is used as a core component that is wrapped around a sheath SS and KS or RS to form an OFCY yarn in which OFCY yarn strength remains the same and electrical properties are better than for an equivalent OFSY yarn. Stainless steel staple fibers (SS) and wire (SW) are incorporated as conductive fillers to enhance the electromagnetic shielding properties of the woven fabric. The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE) of various woven fabrics was obtained using a coaxial transmission line holder in the frequency range of 300 kHz–3 GHz. The variations of EMSE, the surface and volume resistivities of the woven fabric structure, and blend ratios of the OFCY yarns are also described.

Friction core-spun yarns for electrical properties of woven fabrics

This paper reports a study to develop a spinning method of open-end friction core-spun yarn (OFCY) and its conductive fabric for shielding the electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic applications. To facilitate weaving of stainless steel (SW) and to reduce the material cost, initially OFCY yarn was made from SW core and polyester (PET) and stainless steel staple (SS) fibers, produced by a DREF III open-end friction spinning method. The core-spun yarns were woven into a variety of woven structures, which are made from semi-automatic loom, successfully. The conductive fabrics could be suitable for shielding home electronic and electrical appliances, cellular phones, and digital devices from electromagnetic fields. The variations of EMSE, and ESD of the woven fabric structure, and blend ratio of stainless steel yarns are also described. It has been shown that the EMSE and ESD attenuation of the woven fabric can be tailored in a number of ways including fabric structure, density, and the amount of conductive filler material.

Electrostatic Discharge Properties of Stainless Steel/Polyester Woven Fabrics

The primary object of this research is to develop a new material for avoiding electrostatic discharge, which can be used not only in home textiles, electrical and electronic devices, and subsystems, but also in clean-room applications such as the pharmaceutical and optical industries. This paper therefore presents studies leading to the development of conductive woven fabrics to attenuate electrostatic discharge. In general, most man-made fabrics are subjected to electric conductivity and electrostatic discharges. To overcome problems caused by such conditions, stainless steel/polyester woven fabrics made on a handloom have been developed successfully. Stainless steel staple fibers are incorporated into these fabrics as conductive fillers to promote the electrostatic discharge properties of the woven fabric. To facilitate weaving and reduce material costs, blended yarns comprising stainless steel/polyester fibers are produced on a ring spinning system. Attenuation of the electrostatic discharge (ESD) for various woven fabrics is determined by an ESD immunity tester in a voltage range of 4-8 kV. Variations of ESD attenuation of the woven fabric structures, the number of layers, and the blend ratio of stainless steel yarns are described. Typical electrostatic discharge voltage outputs and test methods for ESD attenuation are also reported.

Preliminary Results of the Effects of Various Suture Material on the Rat Ear

The re-approximation of septal flaps after septoplasty or septorhinoplasty may be complicated by a septal perforation. In the usual operative sequence the mucoperichondrial flaps are elevated on either side of the septum and after morselization the cartilage is placed back into the septal pocket for support and preservation of the integrity of the septum itself. Re-approximation of the septal flaps, septal suturing, septal splints, and packing have all been used alone or in combination to close the septal pocket and prevent hematoma. In order to determine the effects of suturing the septum on the formation of septal perforations, the rat ear was chosen as the experimental model. Like the nasal septum it is made up of a cartilaginous framework covered on both sides by skin. Unlike the nose, the lining is epithelium and not pseudostratified columnar ciliated respiratory epithelium. However, the healing and absorbing qualities of the two types of epithelium are very similar in nature. Three different types of suture material were placed in the rat ear. Chromic and polyglycolic acid absorbable sutures were placed in the ear and followed grossly and histologically until completely absorbed. A stainless steel staple was used as a control to determine if the epithelium would “pierce” the ear similar to the technique of piercing the ears for earrings. The results of this study show that as the absorbable suture is dissolved the diameter of the tract through the ear gradually decreases and healing occurs without a permanent perforation. However, the stainless steel staple allowed the epithelium to migrate along the shaft, producing a perforation. From these results, the conclusion can be made that suturing the septum with an absorbable suture probably does not contribute significantly to permanent septal perforations.

Use of absorbable staples for closure of proximal end of ileal loops.

The use of the GIA stapler has reduced dramatically the operative time for the creation of urinary division ileal and colonic loops. It is widely known that steel staples in the urinary tract prompt stone formation around a foreign body. A case of stone formation around a GIA stainless steel staple is presented. A possible solution to this potential problem by the use of the new Polysorb-Lactimer absorbable TA55 stapler is presented.