Medical Device Link.

Originally Published EMDM October 2003

Machining Equipment News

A micromilling and drilling machine is suitable for machining precious metals for use in medical devices. The MMP machine, manufactured by Kern GmbH (Murnau, Germany) works with titanium, gold, silver, platinum, palladium, ceramics, and other materials. The five-axis machine fabricates small components with micron-level accuracy.

The newest generation of Kern’s high-precision series, the MMP performs a number of functions, including micromilling and drilling, surface and profile grinding, circular grinding, and jig grinding. The machine has a polymer and concrete base for better vibration absorption. The tool changer is encapsulated as part of the ergonomic design. A range of accessories are available, such as flood coolant, oil-mist coolant, and a tool-break detection unit. A one- and two-axis precision dividing head is another optional accessory. A selection of spindles, achieving speeds up to 160,000 rpm, are offered.

Using elements of microtechnology for medical applications, Kern has manufactured precision machines for more than 40 years. Its machines are used to produce cataract lenses, fluid diagnostic systems, artificial finger joints, and prototypes of diagnostic apparatuses.

Custom guidewire manufacturing equipment is fully automated

Fully automated equipment is available for guidewire manufacturing. Guidewire Solutions Ltd. (Shankill, Co. Armagh, UK) supplies spring-coiling machinery, mechanical J-formers, and safety-ribbon-insertion machines. Welding robots and weld polishing and wire-cleaning systems are also offered. All equipment is designed to work with a wide range of products without the need for complicated or extensive retooling.

Consultations are available to develop a full turnkey production line. The company can perform efficiency studies that may result in a reduction of labour costs. Spring coils, ground core wires, and guidewire dispensers, as well as subcontracting services, are also available.

Special-purpose machines handle, control, and process medical devices 

A company specializes in the design and manufacture of machines suitable for the medical device industry. Abbotsbury Engineering Ltd. (St. Ives, Cambs, UK) has expanded from its original product base of computer-controlled diamond turning lathes to the design and manufacture of machines that handle, control, and process medical devices. The company’s machines can handle components as small as medical needles to larger pieces. 

Process options available include cutting, grinding, polishing, bonding, aligning, and testing. The company can develop systems that operate at submicron resolutions at speeds from millimetres per month to hundreds of metres per second. Atmospheric conditions are factored into machine design. 

Multispindle lathes operate at high production speeds

CNC multispindle automatic lathes aid in minimizing machining time. DMG AG (Dübendorf, Germany) offers lathes that work between 12.2 and 23.7 hp at maximum capability. The GMC and ISM machines have a mechanism that moves the spindle drum automatically back to its first position without indexing. Acceleration and braking capabilities include going from 0 to 8000 rpm in 1.2 seconds, and vice versa. Each spindle motor moves autonomously and adjusts to the material that is being machined.

By using the MF Programmer 3-D interface that comes with the GMC ISM series, users will be able to view a 3-D model of the part being machined. Once the coordinates have been loaded with the aid of a step-by-step menu and the part has been virtually generated, a real-time 3-D simulation can be viewed on the screen. Data errors can be accurately marked and changed with little effort, reducing setup times.


Laser cutting systems accommodate long tubingry products

Laser cutting systems provide good functionality and reliability. Available with PRC lasers to 3000 W, the LT1200 and LT2400 laser tube-cutting machines from AltaMar Laser & Control (Fridley, MN, USA) are capable of cutting mild steel, stainless steel, or aluminium of various sizes and wall thicknesses. Round or rectangular tubes can be processed. The LT1200 accommodates raw tubes to 12 ft, and the LT2400 accepts tubes to 24 ft. A tube-length measurement system allows random tube lengths to be used. Optional automatic infeed and outfeed systems enable unattended operation. The controller is PC-based with a touch screen user interface. A programming tool with standard G and M codes is provided to generate programs for profiled ends and common internal features. 

Copyright ©2003 European Medical Device Manufacturer