6 Joining of platinum (Pt) alloy wires to stainless steel wires for electronic medical devices

The joining of dissimilar materials in medical-device applications is necessary to increase flexibility in design, enhance performance, and reduce material costs. This chapter will discuss the joining of platinum alloy wires to stainless steel wires in the crossed-wire joint configuration, providing a solid introduction to the challenges that accompany the joining of dissimilar materials in non-standard joint geometries. Example studies utilizing the resistance microwelding and laser microwelding processes are provided along with the process conditions required to produce sound joints.