Originally Published EMDM January 2006
Medtec 2006 Preview
Machine Builders Showcase Innovations at PrecisionTec Pavilion
Robert Lyng
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Equipment developed by PrecisionTec exhibitor Stama Maschinenfabrik is typically used to machine implantable devices. |
Extreme precision, productivity, and cost-effectiveness are the watchwords of companies exhibiting in the new PrecisionTec pavilion at MEDTEC 2006 in Stuttgart, Germany. The event will provide attendees with an opportunity to contrast and compare technological refinements from some of the leading suppliers of machining equipment and related services to medical device OEMs.
“Maintaining machining accuracy during batch production is extremely important,” explains Philippe Charles of Tornos S.A. (Moutier, Switzerland). “As a result, OEMs usually look for rigidity in the machine.” This becomes a critical factor when parts with tolerances ranging from ±0.0001 to ±0.001 mm or with surface finishing requirements of 4 to 32 µm are processed, as is common in the medical device industry.
Boosting productivity by reducing cycle times from machine setup to finished product is a key demand from customers, adds Charles. “That can have an enormous effect on the cost per piece.”
Balancing client needs with cost-efficient operations has led many PrecisionTec exhibitors to offer project development services. Contract manufacturer Accellent (Wilmington, MA, USA), for example, can partner with companies at various stages in the design and production cycle, from concept development and design for manufacture to scale-up for commercialization.
Choosing machining equipment or a service provider is not a simple task. Buyers must take into consideration the type of work they will be doing (turning, drilling, reaming, tapping, and so forth), the complexity of the parts to be manufactured, and the setup time required between jobs. Bringing together design engineers and manufacturing engineers earlier in the development process is one way in which machine builders are creating a better fit for their customers. Equipment suppliers are also developing turnkey systems that perform a number of tasks, thus cutting handling cycle times. This implies the availability of a range of options including numerous types of spindles, axial- and radial-driven tools, probes, and CNC hardware and software.
Exhibitor Highlights
Tornos recently announced the introduction of a unique subspindle thread-whirling attachment for its Deco 20a and 26a turning centres. The attachment is designed to facilitate whirling of the larger threads usually found on bone screws for the hip. It enables users of Deco 20a or 26a machines to completely manufacture such parts in one setup. Drilling, turning, gun drilling, milling, broaching, deburring, tapping, and part cutoff are performed with the main spindle; on the opposite end of the part, the counterspindle takes care of drilling, thread whirling, thread deburring, and milling.
The ability to machine the thread in counter operations allows the user to often manufacture the screw without secondary operations or the need for any other machine tool. The thread of one screw can be cut in the subspindle while the main spindle produces another part, a further productivity advantage.
A thread-whirling device employing carbide-form tools and replaceable tooling inserts can easily adapt to the Tornos whirling units. This Schwanog-made device is designed to maximize cutting speed and tool life while imparting fine finishes to titanium and stainless steel.
Stama Maschinenfabrik GmbH (Schlierbach, Germany) notes that its System 3 and System 5 machines are becoming popular with medical device makers that have large-volume batch runs. “Used in a twin configuration, these machines can reduce piece costs by 30%,” says company spokesman Peter Wustrow. The company’s leading model for hip and orthodontic implants, System 7 machinery offers drilling, milling, turning, and six-side machining with integrated material feed and automated work-part handling. Both rotating cutters and fixed cutters can be used in a single chucking position.
The global economy, in a roundabout way, provides a competitive edge to PrecisionTec exhibitor Chiron-Werke GmbH & Co. KG (Tuttlingen, Germany). It cites the experience of one of its customers, Paul Peschke GmbH (Leitlingen, Germany).
Paul Peschke production head Otto Gäng emphasizes that companies in Western Europe can no longer expect to be competitive in the production of simple parts and instruments, because of the price-cutting going on in Eastern Europe and Asia. “We specialize in surgical instruments and equipment, and Germany’s market share for surgical instruments has dropped from 70 to 50% in the last few years, says Gäng. “We must be innovative and achieve technical milestones that other companies are unable or not equipped to meet.”
Some workpieces require approximately 20 operational steps with very high tolerances, notes Gäng. “These are things you can no longer do with conventional methods and simple CNC standard machines.” And that is where Chiron-Werke and other PrecisionTec exhibitors can help.
Medical device manufacturers determined to stay one step ahead of the competition will find ample tools to achieve their goals at the PrecisionTec pavilion. The showcase is part of MEDTEC 2006, which is held 7–9 March at the messe in Stuttgart, Germany. For current information about the event, go to www.medtecshow.com.
Copyright ©2006 European Medical Device Manufacturer
