In 2009 Domain Surgical began developing the FMwand Ferromagnetic Surgical System. This new technology is an alternative to the traditional scalpels and surgical generators now used in the operating room. The system offers many advantages to both surgeons and patients. The Ferromagnetic technology allows precise, clean incisions with reduced bleeding. Radio Frequency (RF) energy is used to heat the tip of the hand piece which makes the incisions. Due to the device’s advanced cutting technology, patients heal faster after surgery and no electrical current passes through the patient’s tissues during surgery. After extensive development and design, the system was released in early 2012.

As the Ferromagnetic wand is a medical device, every aspect must work properly in the field. The FMwand generator is an integral part of the product. Just as the ferromagnetic alloy in the tip of the hand piece must work, the displays on the generator must be accurate, reliable and durable.

The generator’s control panel features a smooth front surface with touchscreen controls. Backlighting is used for the power switch, “G1” graphic and Domain logo. A combination of lithographic and screen printing was used to create the gradient graphics seen on the logo. An aluminum subpanel supports graphic layers, display/touchscreen, customer printed circuit board and other internal components of the device.

“Our desire was to create a clean and modern look that is very different from other electrosurgical devices.  We also wanted our logo to “pop” when the unit is in use.  GMN’s expertise in design and manufacturing processes helped to create what we had in mind,” says Paul Hammond, Domain Surgical VP of Operations.

In 2011 GM Nameplate first became involved in the product by developing prototypes — originally producing the overlay, membrane switch, backlighting and light dam used on the subpanel.  As GMN and Domain collaborated on the final production design, various changes were made to the control panel assembly. The most efficient design to move into production had the backlighting designed into the circuit board. The light dam was also designed into the aluminum subpanel.

“With input from the GMN team we revised the design several times.  The changes have resulted in a more robust and higher quality product.  We continue to receive comments from customers about how easy our device is to use and how great it looks,” said Hammond

Due to GMN’s ability to produce and assemble so much of the part, the total turn time for the initial front panel order was just 8 days. The production time for the system’s sub panel is a testament to GM Nameplate’s efficiencies and processes. The product works properly and looks great. To learn more about Domain Surgical and the FMwand Ferromagnetic Surgical System please visit their website.