Medical Device Link.

Originally Published EMDM September 2004

Industry News

A micromachining centre now available in Europe is suited for processing miniature implantable products and electronic and fibre-optic components for medical applications.

One of the difficulties posed by machining tiny parts arises during handling operations. “Merely transferring these parts to another machine can often cause damage,” says Alex Koo, managing director of Mikrotools (Singapore). Tooling calibration can also be a challenge, he adds. “That is why we developed a multipurpose micromachining centre.” The machine was recently introduced to the European market.

The DT-series CNC centre performs turning, milling, microwire electrical-discharge grinding, and microelectrical-discharge machining to an accuracy of ±1 µm. To further improve accuracy, an optional measurement device can be added. It enables the machine controller to compensate for tooling wear. Another novel feature, cited by Koo, is the machine’s capability to fabricate electrodes. These can then be used with the equipment to produce features on a workpiece.

Med-tech researchers are currently using the machine to make neurosensors and bioconnectors, as well as to produce a bioresorbable suture.

The controller is available as a stand-alone product, adds Koo. “Some companies prefer to build their own machine,” he says. “But designing a microcontroller can be quite difficult if you don’t have the expertise.” The company’s MC-10 four-axis motion controller is extendable to 16 axes. Open architecture eases its integration into micromachining tools. A micro-EDM generator is available as an option.

The firm also recently introduced a line of desktop lathes. “We noticed that many companies processing very small components were using these huge machines. The miniature UPL-series lathes have a 20 ¥ 20-mm workspace and are designed specifically to process micrometer-sized parts,” explains Koo. Of particular interest to users in the optical and biomedical fields, the UPL-2020 lathe enables single-pass machining and finishing, thus reducing the potential for error. Currently, four of these machines are being used for research activities at the University of Singapore. At the time of writing, none are in commercial use.

To learn more about these machines, contact Mikrotools, 8 Prince George’s Park, Singapore 118407; phone: +65 6776 9013; fax: +65 6774 7596; e-mail: alexkoo@mikrotools.com; Internet: www.mikrotools.com.   

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